Couscous with stir-fried vegetables and basil

Name: Couscous with stir-fried vegetables and basil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups chicken broth, or bouillon; 1 cup couscous; 1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots; 2 green onions; 2 tsp olive oil; 2 large garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups sliced mixed vegetables, such as celery, carrots and zucchini; 1/2 tsp paprika; pinch cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil; 2 to 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, or lemon juice

Prep Time10 mins
Total Time17 mins
Makes5 servings

A more attractive side dish would be hard to find. Keep this recipe in mind for barbecue season – it goes beautifully with grilled chicken, veggie burgers, fish or lamb.

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups chicken broth, or bouillon
1 cup couscous
1/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
2 green onions
2 tsp olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
3 cups sliced mixed vegetables, such as celery, carrots and zucchini
1/2 tsp paprika
pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 cup shredded fresh basil
2 to 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, or lemon juice

Instructions

Place broth in a large microwaveable bowl. Microwave, uncovered, until boiling, about 2 minutes. Or boil broth in a saucepan. Then stir in couscous and apricots. Cover and set aside until couscous is tender, at least 5 minutes. Meanwhile, thinly slice onions.
Heat oil in a wide non-stick frying pan set over medium heat. Add garlic and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry until done as you like, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle vegetables with paprika and cayenne, then stir until evenly distributed. Remove from heat. Stir in basil. Stir 2 tablespoons (30 mL) lime juice and onions into couscous. Taste and add more lime juice and a pinch of salt, if needed. Serve vegetables on top of couscous.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories 204, Protein 7g, Carbohydrates 38.7g, Fat 2.5g, Fibre 3.9g, Sodium 238mg.

FILED UNDER:

Dinner Stir Fry Vegetarian side dishes lunch vegetables stovetop