Description
How to make aromatic Moroccan spiced chickpea and carrot couscous salad with warm spices and fresh herbs that brings comfort to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 large carrots, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced
Moroccan Spice Blend
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Dressing & Fresh Elements
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Toast Spices: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toast cinnamon, cumin, ginger, paprika, and cayenne for 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn or they’ll taste bitter.
- Cook Couscous: Add pearl couscous to the toasted spices with 2 cups water and 1 tsp salt. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Vegetables: While couscous cooks, dice carrots and finely chop red onion. Toast almonds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a large bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad: Drain couscous and add to dressing bowl along with chickpeas, carrots, onion, and raisins. Toss everything together while couscous is still warm.
- Add Fresh: Fold in chopped cilantro, mint, and toasted almonds just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or honey as needed.
- Rest & Serve: Let the Moroccan Spiced Chickpea and Carrot Couscous Salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving at room temperature.
Notes
- Toast spices carefully to avoid burning which creates bitter flavors.
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days for best quality.
- Substitute regular couscous but reduce liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain bright color and texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, or honey as needed.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Allergy Information: Tree Nuts
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 calories
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 9g