Grandma's couscous

Couscous with Vegetables and Poultry - A Recipe with Memories

Each of us has a family-related story, a sweet memory we carry in our hearts, and food is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ways we connect with our loved ones. Today, I will take you on a culinary journey inspired by my grandmother's recipes, a homemaker who knew how to transform simple ingredients into delicious meals.

Couscous, a dish with deep roots in tradition, represents not just a side dish but also a story of patience, dedication, and love. My grandmother did not buy couscous from the store; she made her own, using old techniques passed down through generations. Although nowadays we find ready-made couscous, today I will show you how to create a delicious and easy version, without losing the essence of the original recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 250 g large-grain couscous (choose a couscous with large granules for a pleasing appearance and better texture)
- 400 g pieces of poultry (preferably chicken)
- 1 medium red onion
- 3-4 peeled tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 1 large carrot
- A small root of celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 bunch of freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the vegetables
- Start by peeling and chopping the vegetables. Cut the red onion into small cubes, the carrot and celery into thin slices, and the bell peppers into cubes. The tomatoes can be diced or left whole, depending on preference.

2. Cooking the meat
- In a large pot, add 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat over medium heat. Add the pieces of poultry and brown them on all sides. This will add a deep flavor to the dish.

3. Adding the vegetables
- Once the meat is browned, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and tomatoes. Stir well and let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Preparing the couscous
- In a separate pot, add 500 ml of water, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of sunflower oil. Bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the couscous. Stir quickly, then cover the pot and let the couscous absorb the water for about 5 minutes.

5. Finalizing the dish
- After the couscous has absorbed the water, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the grains. Add the couscous to the pot with the vegetables and meat. Stir well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.

6. Serving
- Divide the couscous onto plates, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Helpful tips

- For an extra flavor boost: You can add spices like cumin or turmeric while cooking the vegetables to enhance the taste.
- Variations: Experiment with vegetables! You can add zucchini, pumpkin, or even peas. Each variation will bring a distinct note to the dish.
- For a richer flavor: Use chicken broth instead of water to cook the couscous. This will intensify the aroma and provide additional depth to the dish.

Nutritional benefits

Couscous is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy to the body. It is also rich in protein, especially when combined with meat. The vegetables bring essential vitamins and antioxidants, while sunflower oil contributes healthy fatty acids.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat couscous?
Yes, whole wheat couscous is a healthier option, rich in fiber.

- How can I store couscous?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can be stored for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Personal story

This recipe always reminds me of the days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, where the aroma of lovingly cooked meals filled the entire house. Each ingredient was carefully chosen, and each step was a testament to her patience and dedication. Her recipes were a priceless gift, and today, when I cook this couscous, I feel like I am part of that old tradition, continuing to pass down these unmistakable stories and flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary details, I invite you to explore this couscous recipe with vegetables and poultry, adapt it to your taste, and enjoy every bite! Perhaps you too will discover new memories to join this enchanting recipe.