Description
This easy one-pot couscous with chickpeas turns pantry staples into a nourishing dinner in minutes. Fluffy couscous, hearty chickpeas, and aromatic spices steam together for a healthy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a packable lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Optional
- Lemon wedges, roasted chickpeas, or a yogurt drizzle (for serving)
- +1/2 cup cooked lentils for extra protein
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Bloom spices: Stir in cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Toast 1 minute to release flavors.
- Simmer chickpeas: Add chickpeas and broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook couscous: Stir in couscous (and cooked lentils, if using). Cover, remove from heat, and let steam 5 minutes.
- Finish & serve: Fluff with a fork. Stir in parsley or cilantro, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm with optional lemon, roasted chickpeas, or yogurt.
Notes
- Flavor tips: Toast couscous in a dry pan before adding liquid for a nuttier taste; finish with lemon juice/zest for brightness.
- Veg add-ins: Stir in diced carrots, bell pepper, or zucchini with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Indian variation: Swap spices for 1/2 tsp garam masala + 1/2 tsp curry powder; add chili flakes to taste and serve with yogurt & cilantro.
- Crunch topper: Roast seasoned chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) for ~20 minutes and add just before serving.
- Avoid mushy couscous: Remove pot from heat before adding couscous and always fluff with a fork.
- Meal prep: Stores up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently or enjoy cold as a salad; keep toppings separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Keywords: one-pot couscous with chickpeas, healthy couscous recipes dinners, lentil couscous, Indian couscous variation, roasted chickpeas meal, plant-based dinner