Couscous with vegetables and delicious surimi

Couscous with vegetables and surimi: a delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the fluffy texture of couscous with the freshness of vegetables and the delicate taste of surimi? This couscous recipe with vegetables and surimi is not only simple and quick, but also an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or a light dinner. Couscous, a versatile ingredient, comes from grains, while vegetables provide not only color but also essential nutrients. Let's discover together each step of this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

- 1 cup of egg couscous (about 150 g)
- 4-5 surimi sticks (about 200 g)
- 1 small bowl of finely chopped and cooked vegetables (you can use carrots, peas, green beans, bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, as preferred)
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 medium carrot
- Basil-flavored olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Juice of half a lemon

Necessary utensils

- A medium pot
- A frying pan
- A spatula
- A plate
- Circular molds for plating (optional)
- Fine grater (for carrot)

Step by step

1. Preparing the couscous: Start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, adding a pinch of salt. When the water starts to boil, add the couscous. Cover the pot with a lid and let it absorb the water for 10 minutes. It is very important not to lift the lid during this time to allow the couscous to swell properly.

2. Adding the vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the pre-cooked vegetables to the pot. You can use your preferred finely chopped vegetable mix, ensuring they are already cooked. Drizzle with a little basil-flavored olive oil and let everything cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here you can add a pinch of pepper to taste. Once the vegetables are well incorporated, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. This will keep the heat and allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

3. Preparing the sautéed vegetables: In a separate frying pan, add a little olive oil and let it heat up. Grate the carrot and cut the bell pepper into thin strips. Add the carrot and bell pepper to the pan, letting them sauté for a few minutes until the bell pepper becomes soft. Cover the pan with a lid to speed up the cooking process.

4. Cooking the surimi: In the same pan, add the surimi sticks, frying them for a few seconds on each side until they become slightly golden. Then, remove them to a plate and drizzle with lemon juice to add a touch of freshness.

5. Plating the dish: Use circular molds to plate the dish. Start with a layer of couscous with vegetables, followed by the sautéed carrot and bell pepper strips. Continue with another layer of couscous and finally add the pieces of surimi. If you don't have circular molds, you can use any small container to shape the dish nicely.

6. Cooling and serving: Let the dish cool slightly, then carefully remove the molds. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves if desired.

Chef's tip

For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like oregano or Provence herbs to the couscous. Also, if you want to vary the recipe, you can replace surimi with smoked salmon or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits

This couscous recipe with vegetables and surimi is not only delicious but also brings numerous nutritional benefits. Couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates, being easy to digest. Vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, while surimi is a protein-rich option but low in fat. Additionally, basil-flavored olive oil provides healthy fatty acids, beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or those you have on hand.

2. How can I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers, you can keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan.

3. What is the best way to serve this dish?
This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can omit the surimi and add tofu or chickpeas to maintain the protein content.

Pairing suggestions

To complete the meal, you can serve a refreshing lemonade or iced mint tea. These drinks will add a refreshing note and balance the flavors of your dish.

This couscous recipe with vegetables and surimi is not only easy to make but also full of flavor and color. So don’t hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!