The base for many hearty one pot meals, includes a healthy carb that can be made in 5 minutes or less. Couscous (pronounced “KOOS-koos”) is a dish made from tiny granules of durum wheat. The couscous grains are then prepared by steaming them until they have a light, fluffy consistency.
Couscous originated in North Africa, where it is traditionally prepared as part of a meat or vegetable stew seasoned with cumin. Today, couscous is found in many cuisines, including much of the Middle East and various Mediterranean cuisines, as well as the United States and western European countries such as France and the U.K. It goes well with just about anything you’d eat rice or potatoes with, from a nice grilled salmon to your moms meatloaf recipe to a Louisiana-style chicken breast.
A 1 cup serving of couscous provides 6g of protein and only 176 calories, far fewer calories than a cup of rice or quinoa.
Today we have a tried and true recipe that is truly quick and easy when your in a pinch for time but want to serve your family a healthy meal. This meal can be made in under 6 minutes {see video below} and you can easily add or subtract veggies and spices to make this unique for your family.
- 1 1/4 Cups water
- 2 Teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 Teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 1 Package Near East Herbed Chicken Couscous
- (includes Spice Sack)
- 12 Ounces oven-roasted carved chicken breast strips or other cooked chicken breast cut into strips*
- 1/2 Teaspoon Creole seasoning, or more to taste
- 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 Bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 Hot red or green pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 Medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Medium stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced (2 large cloves)
- 3/4 Cup tomato, chopped (1 medium)
- 1/2 Teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Bring water to a boil; add olive oil, Creole seasoning and contents of Spice Sack. Simmer for a few seconds. Stir in couscous. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff couscous lightly with fork before serving.
- While couscous is standing, stir together chicken and Creole seasoning in large bowl. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry chicken 1 minute. Add green onions, hot pepper, bell pepper, celery and garlic; stir-fry 1 minute. Stir in tomato, sea salt and pepper. Stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Toss couscous with sauté.
- * For lower sodium preparation, substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized (about 1 1/2 inch) pieces and increase chicken stir-fry time to 3 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through.
- 290 Calories, Fat 7g, Protein 25g, Carbohydrates 35g, Cholesterol 55mg, Sodium 1100mg, Fiber 4g
More one pot Couscous recipes:
Orange Chicken With Couscous and Feta
Thanks to Near East for the great Louisiana Chicken With Creole Couscous recipe!