Imagine a warm, hearty soup that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East, packed with colorful vegetables and perfectly textured Israeli couscous. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds, nourish your body, and impress even the pickiest eaters in your family. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate diced carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper into the pot. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and slight caramelization.
- Sprinkle cumin over the vegetables and stir to distribute the spice evenly, allowing it to toast slightly and release its warm, earthy fragrance.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add Israeli couscous to the pot and stir. Allow the soup to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Toast your spices: When adding cumin, let it cook for a few moments to release its deep, warm flavors before adding liquid.
- Vegetable chopping matters: Cut vegetables into uniform, small dice to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't overcook the couscous: Watch carefully during the 8-10 minute simmering period to maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Enhance flavor options: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Make it your own: Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference while maintaining similar cooking times.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
