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To make this dish, you need a few key items that come together in a flash. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup couscous - 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small cucumber, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a fresh and tasty meal that feels fancy but cooks quickly. If you want to boost the flavor even more, consider adding some optional items. These can really make your dish stand out: - Fresh herbs like parsley or basil - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Nuts, like pine nuts or almonds, for texture Adding these can help you tailor the dish to your taste. Choosing the right produce makes a big difference in your meal's taste. Here are some tips: - Tomatoes: Look for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes. They should be bright and free of blemishes. - Cucumber: Choose a cucumber that is firm and has a smooth skin. Avoid soft spots. - Spinach: Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and not wilted. - Onion: Pick onions that feel heavy for their size. They should be dry and firm. Fresh ingredients not only taste better but also add visual appeal to your dish. Feel free to explore local markets for the best options. Cooking couscous is simple and fast. You only need about 20 minutes. First, you boil water or broth. Then, you add couscous and let it sit. This method gives you a fluffy texture. 1. Start with a medium saucepan. Bring 1 ¼ cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. 2. When it boils, remove it from heat. Stir in 1 cup of couscous. 3. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step lets the couscous soak up the liquid. 4. After 5 minutes, take a fork and fluff the couscous. Break up any clumps. 1. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, ½ finely chopped red onion, and ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives. 2. Toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. 3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour the dressing over the veggies and mix well. 5. Finally, add the fluffed couscous to the bowl. Gently stir everything together. 6. Top with ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese and serve. This method creates a tasty dish full of fresh flavors. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To boost flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add bright notes. You can also sprinkle in spices like cumin or paprika for warmth. Dried herbs work too, but fresh gives a better taste. A squeeze of lemon juice brings out the best in your dish. It adds a zing that marries all the flavors. For perfect couscous, use the right liquid. Vegetable broth adds depth and richness. Always let the couscous sit covered for five minutes after boiling. This step helps it absorb all the liquid. Fluff it gently with a fork, not a spoon. A fork keeps the grains light and airy. One common mistake is not measuring the liquid correctly. Too much will make it mushy. Another mistake is stirring too aggressively after cooking. This can break up the grains and make it sticky. Also, don’t skip the resting time. It’s key for texture. For a full recipe, check out the details. {{image_2}} You can easily boost your 20-minute couscous. Adding protein makes it heartier. Chicken is a great option. Cook diced chicken in a pan until golden. Shrimp is quick, too. Sauté shrimp for a few minutes until pink. If you prefer plant-based, toss in chickpeas. Canned chickpeas are quick and easy to use. Just rinse them and mix them in. This way, you can have a filling meal without much fuss. Couscous is perfect for both vegetarians and vegans. To keep it plant-based, skip the feta cheese. Instead, add more olives or nuts for flavor. Nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch. Seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, also work well. For more protein, add tofu. Cook it until golden for a tasty twist. You can enjoy a delicious vegan meal that everyone will love. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients makes couscous exciting. In spring, add asparagus or peas. They bring a fresh taste and vibrant color. Summer is great for zucchini or bell peppers. These add sweetness and crunch. In fall, roasted squash can make it warm and cozy. Winter is perfect for kale or Brussels sprouts. Toss in whatever is fresh at the market. This keeps your dish lively and full of flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftover couscous, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating couscous, add a splash of water or broth. This helps it stay moist. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, place couscous in a bowl and cover it. Heat on medium for one minute, then stir and check. If needed, heat for another minute. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat, stirring often. To freeze couscous, spread the cooled couscous in a single layer on a tray. This helps it freeze evenly. Once frozen, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Remember to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight or microwave it straight from the freezer. Couscous cooks very fast. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare once you boil the broth or water. After removing it from heat, let it sit for 5 minutes. This makes the couscous fluffy and perfect. Yes, you can make couscous ahead of time. Cook it and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. You can reheat it with a little water to bring back its texture. Couscous is versatile. You can pair it with grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or fish. It also works well with beans or lentils for a hearty meal. Try it with a fresh salad for a light option. You can find the full recipe for this dish in the Speedy Mediterranean Couscous Delight section. It includes all the ingredients and steps needed to make this tasty meal. Couscous is quick and easy to make. We explored key ingredients and steps for perfect couscous. You learned how to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. We discussed tasty variations, from proteins to seasonal veggies. Storing leftovers and reheating tips extend your meals. By following these tips, you can create a delicious dish every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure with couscous and get creative with flavors!

20-Minute Couscous

Discover a quick and delicious meal with this Speedy Mediterranean Couscous Delight recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a colorful dish packed with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty flavors. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Click through to explore all the steps and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean right at home!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup couscous

1 ¼ cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small cucumber, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a boil over medium-high heat.

    Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the saucepan and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid.

      Fluff the couscous with a fork after the 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps.

        In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh spinach.

          In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.

            Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.

              Add the fluffed couscous to the bowl and gently mix everything together until well incorporated.

                Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and serve immediately.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in large bowls or on a platter, garnishing with extra feta and a sprinkle of fresh oregano for a vibrant look.