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To make Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls, you need a few key items. Gather these essential ingredients: - 1 cup couscous - 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Black pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and flavorful dish. The couscous absorbs the broth and lemon, making every bite delicious. You can make this dish even better with a few optional ingredients. Consider adding: - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled Feta adds a creamy texture and salty taste. You can also try different toppings like olives or nuts for crunch. Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls are not just tasty; they are good for you too. Here are some key nutritional facts: - Rich in fiber from chickpeas and veggies. - Provides vitamins from fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. - Offers healthy fats from olive oil. - Low in calories, making it a light meal option. This dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. It’s easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and full of vibrant flavors. Enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking a medium saucepan. Pour in 1 ¼ cups of vegetable broth. Heat it over medium-high until it boils. The broth gives the couscous extra flavor. Boiling it first ensures the couscous cooks well in the next step. Once the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of couscous. Stir it quickly and remove the pan from heat. Cover it with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb all the broth. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. This step makes it light and fluffy. In a large mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and drained chickpeas. Toss these together gently. Now, add the couscous mixture to the bowl. Stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Mix everything well until it is combined. Taste it and adjust with black pepper or more lemon juice if needed. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls! When making Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls, a few mistakes can pop up. One common error is overcooking the couscous. Follow the package instructions closely. Let it sit covered for just five minutes after adding broth. This helps it soak up the liquid perfectly. Another mistake is forgetting to fluff the couscous. Use a fork to fluff it gently. This keeps the grains from sticking together. Lastly, don’t skip the lemon zest. It brings a fresh, bright flavor that makes the dish shine. Couscous bowls are super flexible. You can add your favorite veggies. Try bell peppers, radishes, or spinach for more color and crunch. If you want extra protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works great. For a meatless option, add more chickpeas or some nuts. You can also change the cheese. Feta is tasty, but goat cheese or mozzarella can add a nice twist. Don’t be afraid to mix in different herbs too. Fresh basil or mint can change the flavor completely. Boosting the flavor of your couscous bowl is easy with seasonings. Besides garlic powder and cumin, consider adding smoked paprika or chili flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can also brighten the dish. Try a splash of balsamic glaze or a drizzle of tahini for a creamy touch. You can even squeeze in more lemon juice if you love that citrus zing. Taste as you go, and adjust until it’s just right. Pro Tips Use Quality Broth: Using a high-quality vegetable broth enhances the flavor of your couscous. Opt for low-sodium options to control the saltiness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Chill for a Refreshing Salad: If you prefer a cold dish, let the couscous cool and serve it chilled as a refreshing summer salad. Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or dill can add a unique twist to your couscous bowls. Don’t hesitate to get creative! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. The base of couscous is already plant-based. Just skip the feta cheese for a vegan version. Instead, add more veggies for texture. You can use roasted red peppers, spinach, or even artichokes. These options add flavor and keep the meal bright. If you want a filling meal, add proteins. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a vegan option. Cook them separately and toss them in with the couscous. This step will make your bowl more satisfying and give it a boost of protein. Changing the ingredients with the seasons can keep this dish fresh. In spring, add peas or asparagus for a pop of color. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes bring warmth. Using seasonal ingredients makes your meal tastier and supports local farms. To keep your Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls fresh, use an airtight container. Place the bowls in the fridge. Make sure they cool down first to avoid condensation inside the container. This helps keep the couscous from getting mushy. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the couscous moist. You can use the microwave or a stovetop pan. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, warm over low heat while stirring gently. If stored properly, these bowls last about three to four days in the fridge. After that, the flavor and texture may decline. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. This way, you enjoy the best taste! Yes, you can use regular water. However, using vegetable broth adds more flavor. Broth gives the dish a rich taste. If you choose water, consider adding some herbs or spices to boost flavor. You can use quinoa, rice, or bulgur as substitutes. Quinoa is gluten-free and has a nice texture. Rice will work well if you want something more filling. Bulgur cooks quickly and is also a great choice. To make this dish gluten-free, choose quinoa instead of couscous. Quinoa is a fantastic base with a nutty flavor. Make sure to check that any broth you use is gluten-free. Lemon herb couscous bowls are simple to make and packed with flavor. We discussed key ingredients, prep steps, and common mistakes to avoid. You can customize your dish to fit your taste and diet. Don’t forget about storing leftovers for later. Experiment with variations to keep your meals exciting. Enjoy your cooking journey with this healthy, tasty dish!

Lemon Herb Couscous Bowls

A refreshing and vibrant couscous bowl with lemon, herbs, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1.25 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
  • Once boiling, stir in the couscous and remove from heat. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chickpeas, and chopped parsley.
  • Add the couscous mixture to the vegetables and toss everything together gently.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
  • Serve the couscous bowls warm or at room temperature, topped with crumbled feta cheese if using.

Notes

Feta cheese is optional but adds a nice flavor.
Keyword couscous, healthy, salad, vegetarian