Description
A vibrant and healthy dish featuring roasted purple sprouting broccoli paired with flavorful whole wheat couscous. The broccoli is roasted until tender with olive oil and garlic, then combined with light, lemon-infused couscous and fresh herbs for a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for vegetarian diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Broccoli
- 300 grams Purple Sprouting Broccoli (Fresh, firm stems and vibrant florets)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin for roasting and flavor)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, for aromatic depth)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (Freshly cracked, to taste)
Couscous
- 200 grams Whole Wheat Couscous
- 250 ml Vegetable Broth (Low-sodium preferred)
- 0.5 whole Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed to brighten the dish)
- Olive Oil (Drizzle for mixing couscous)
Garnish
- Handful Fresh Herbs (Chopped parsley or mint for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
- Prepare Broccoli: Rinse the purple sprouting broccoli under cold water, trim the ends, and cut into manageable pieces to ensure even roasting.
- Toss Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the broccoli evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer to promote crisp roasting.
- Roast Broccoli: Roast the broccoli in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes tender with crispy edges.
- Cook Couscous: While broccoli roasts, bring vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, then remove from heat and add the couscous.
- Steam Couscous: Cover the pot and let couscous sit for 5 minutes so it can absorb the broth fully and become fluffy.
- Fluff Couscous: Fluff the couscous gently with a fork, then stir in fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for brightness and extra flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the roasted broccoli into a large serving bowl and mix with the prepared couscous, folding in fresh chopped herbs for an aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm or at room temperature, adjusting seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use extra virgin olive oil for better flavor and health benefits.
- Whole wheat couscous increases fiber and nutritional value.
- Make sure to spread broccoli in a single layer to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can be substituted or combined for varied flavor profiles.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and served cold as a salad alternative.
