Couscous aux Lentilles

Couscous aux Lentilles is a hearty Moroccan dish that combines fluffy couscous with nutritious lentils and a medley of spices, creating a vibrant and flavorful meal. This wholesome dish is not only comforting but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

Ingredients

• Couscous - 100 grams
• Green or brown lentils - 100 grams
• Water - 500 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a pot with 500 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper to the pan, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. In a separate pot, prepare the couscous according to package instructions, typically by boiling 200 ml of water. Once boiling, add the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
6. Combine the cooked lentils with the sautéed vegetable mixture, stirring well to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve the lentil mixture over a bed of fluffy couscous and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from lentils, supporting muscle health.
• Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

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