Curried Couscous Recipe (2024)

This 15-minute Curried Couscous is rich in plant-based protein and iron, with a flavorful curry dressing. Prep this budget-friendly recipe in advance for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's veggie-loaded and perfect for your weekly rotation.

This recipe is very versatile. You can use veggies and fresh herbs you already have on hand. In addition, the pantry-friendly curry dressing pairs well with a variety of salads, roasted veggies, and grain bowls.

The best part about this Curry Couscous recipe is you don't need to turn the stove on to make it. Simply reconstitute the couscous with kettle-boiled water for 5 minutes!

Plus, this recipe is a balanced meal, making it an ideal lunch or dinner. It's also great for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics.

This easy Curried Couscous recipe was inspired by my One-Pot Moroccan Couscous with Chickpeas, as well as this Easy Grain Bowls recipe.

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

• Moroccan couscousis a grain, made from semolina (coarsely ground durum wheat). It comes steamed and dried. Therefore, it is quick cooking. Simply reconstitute in boiling liquid before consuming. Choose whole wheat couscous for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
• Lemon zestadds a citrusy tang that complements the curry flavor in the couscous delectably.
• Green peas and chickpeas add a decent amount of plant-based protein and fiber to this dish.
• Raw cashews are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Roast them with maple and chia seeds for a hint of sweetness and additional crunch.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🫑 Substitutions

• Red onion - use shallots or green onion instead as desired
• Cashews - substitute with peanuts, or almonds, or omit them for nut-free
• Couscous - Israeli (pearl) couscous also works for this Curry Couscous recipe. Or make it with gluten-free quinoa instead.
• Green peas - add golden raisins instead for a hint of sweetness or omit the peas entirely
• Bell pepper - use any color bell pepper or a different crunchy vegetable
• Cilantro and parsley - Omit as desired, or substitute with herbs you have on hand. Fresh mint or thyme, as well as dried oregano, cilantro, or parsley all pair well with this Curry Couscous.
• For a spicier dish - add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the curry dressing

For another easy weeknight meal, try this nut-free, gluten-free Creamy Butter Beans recipe. For more easy and healthy salads, visit my Vegan Salad Recipes page.

📖 How to Make Curried Couscous

Preheat the oven to 350ºF if making the maple chia roasted cashews.

Step 1. Optional: Toss the cashews with maple syrup, chia seeds, and cayenne in a small bowl. Then transfer them to a lined baking sheet, and roast until they are golden brown.

Step 2. Transfer the couscous to a heatproof bowl. Add 1 ½ cups boiled water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3. Mix the lemon juice, zest, curry powder turmeric, black pepper, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl or shake in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Add maple and salt to taste.

Step 4. Transfer the couscous, chickpeas, green peas, bell pepper, carrots, red onion, cilantro, and parsley. Add the desired amount of dressing and mix to combine. Top Curried Couscous with cashews for serving.

💡 Experts Tips

• For rehydrating the couscous: Use recently boiled water for rehydrating the couscous, along with a heat-proof bowl with a tight-fitting cover. Or use a regular saucepan and lid instead.
• To take the sharp bite out of the red onion, soak the chopped onion in water for 10 minutes.
• Toss the cashews frequently, and keep a close eye on them so they do not burn.
• Roast the chickpeas (optional): Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and salt, and roast them in a single layer at the same time as the cashews for even more texture.
• Storage: Refrigerate any remaining dressing for up to 5 days. Refrigerate leftover Curried Couscous in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🍽 Recipe FAQs

🥕 Try my 5-Minute, 4-Ingredient Raw Carrot Salad for a healthy and delicious low-calorie snack.

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