Vegetarian and oriental Couscous Martino

No One cooks vegetarian dishes better than Asians. If you have visited any Asian countries or an Asian restaurant you already know this. However to get a taste of some delicious oriental dish you don’t have to spend a fortune in restaurants. Instead you can make your own oriental vegetarian food in just 30 minutes!

Bring the tastes and smells of the oriental cuisine in your kitchen with this great recipe. The vegetables, the soy sauce and spices come together with the delicate couscous flavor to delight you in a healthy and balanced dish that is excellent for a light dinner.

Recipe of Simona Novarini

 

Here is how to prepare this amazing vegetarian Orient inspired couscous recipe

Ingredients

• 200 grams of whole integral Martino couscous
• 200 ml of water
• 2 fresh onions
• 1/2 Yellow Pepper
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Courgette
• 1 teaspoon of Curry
• 7 tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 50 grams of  Soybeans
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt as needed
• Preparation:30 minutes
• Portions: 4 people

Directions:

Prepare the vegetables:
To begin with, wash and clean all the vegetables thoroughly. Cut the fresh onion into very thin slices. Continue with the pepper after cutting it in half vertically and removing the seeds slice it in long thin stripes and set aside. For the next step it is time to bring your grater. Grate the carrot and courgette into strips.

Cook the vegetables:
In a non stick frying pan pour extra virgin olive oil and toss inside the prepared vegetables. Add a pinch of salt and one teaspoon of curry. Mix the vegetables while they are cooking. At this stage you want to make sure to not overcook the vegetables. They should soften just enough, while still leaving that al dente feeling. While still cooking add 4 tablespoons of soy sauce and stir well a few minutes before removing the vegetable from the heat toss inside the soybean sprouts and stir well. When ready remove from the heat and set aside.

Hydrate the couscous
As always use a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, pour 200 ml of water and extra virgin olive oil and bring to a simmer. Once simmering pour 200 grams of whole integral Martino couscous making sure you are spreading it evenly. Cover with a lid and set aside for about 4-5 minutes.

Once the couscous is fully hydrated and has absorbed all the water fluff it with the help of a fork. This will remove any lumps and separate the delicate grains without crushing them to give the couscous a light, fluffy texture.

Mixing the couscous with the vegetables
In a large serving bowl pour the sautéed vegetables and add the hydrated couscous. Add 3 more tablespoons of soy sauce and stir everything well to combine the ingredients. Your vegetarian oriental couscous is ready. Fast, delicious and healthy! Prepare to serve.

Notes and Variations:

• You can mix and match any vegetables you prefer or are found in your kitchen. Mushrooms and baby corn are a great addition as well but it is up to you to experiment with your favorite veggies.
• For the non vegetarians the recipe can be changed by adding chicken breast strips although a great combination is also with shrimps! Pure oriental.
• You can serve the oriental couscous dish with boiled egg cut into quarters on top – it will add the needed protein to keep your diet balanced. For vegans pan fried tofu is also a great addition.
• Finally when it comes to spices it is up to you to make your own combinations, don’t be afraid to add any oriental spice mix that you like.

Everyone, even the non vegetarians will appreciate this oriental dish. Not only because it is delicious but especially because it is healthy and low in calories. If you are always on the search for healthy alternatives or just want to diversify your cooking make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and you will receive a huge variety of couscous recipes directly in your inbox.

If you are a vegetarian, a vegan or even a meat lover you can find comfort in this recipe. Just make sure to add you personal touch and experiment. Use your favorite vegetables and your favorite spices. In any case leave us a comment to tell us your personal touch to this delicious oriental couscous dish.