Sautéed eggplant, zucchini, pineapple, and soybean sprouts & Couscous

Stir-fry of eggplant, zucchini, pineapple, and soybean sprouts with Couscous

If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful recipe, this vegetable stir-fry with pineapple and soybean sprouts is exactly what you need! The combination of vegetables with the sweetness of pineapple and the exotic note of soybean sprouts provides a unique culinary experience. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a side, this dish will pleasantly surprise you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the stir-fry:
- 1 zucchini
- 1 eggplant
- 1 onion
- 100 g soybean sprouts
- 1/4 fresh pineapple (or canned)
- 5 garlic cloves
- A piece of ginger (about the size of a walnut)
- 2 cloves
- A pinch of dried thyme
- Fresh basil (for serving)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)
- Olive oil (for flavoring)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)

For the couscous:
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 measures of boiling water
- Olive oil (for flavoring)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Decoration (optional):
- Flax seeds (for an extra nutrient boost)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by slicing the onion into thin strips, known as julienne, to maintain its crunchy texture. The zucchini is divided in half: one half is sliced thinly, while the other half is cut with a vegetable peeler to create more interesting shapes. The eggplant is peeled, then cut into eighths, and each piece is transformed into triangles. Drizzle them with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.

Grate the garlic and ginger, and cut the pineapple into small triangles. Wash the soybean sprouts well to remove any impurities.

2. Preparing the stir-fry:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and a little sunflower oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the grated garlic and ginger, sautéing for another minute until the aromas are released.

Now it's time to add the pineapple. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the eggplant. Drizzle everything with the juice from 3/4 of a lemon, and after 3-4 minutes, add the sliced zucchini. Finally, integrate the soybean sprouts and the half zucchini cut with the peeler. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and the two cloves.

Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed. When the vegetables are cooked but still retain a crunchy note, add the fresh basil for an extra flavor boost.

3. Preparing the couscous:
In a small pot, add boiling water, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. When the water boils, add the couscous, cover the pot, and let it sit for 10 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork to make it light and airy.

4. Serving:
On a plate, place a bed of couscous, and on top, evenly distribute the vegetable stir-fry with pineapple. If desired, you can garnish with flax seeds and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. This detail not only adds a pleasant appearance but also an extra nutrient boost!

Practical tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavors.
- If you don't have fresh pineapple, canned pineapple is a good alternative, but make sure it's in its own juice, not syrup.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for a variety of colors and textures.
- Couscous can be replaced with quinoa or basmati rice for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, thanks to the fresh vegetables. Soybean sprouts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, and pineapple provides a significant amount of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with your favorite vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers.
- Can I make this dish in advance? It's recommended to prepare the stir-fry fresh, but you can make the couscous a day ahead.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A cold lemonade or fruit tea would be excellent combinations to balance the flavors of the dish.

This vegetable stir-fry with pineapple and couscous is not only a simple recipe but also an opportunity to explore bold flavor combinations. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy every bite, and share it with your loved ones. Bon appétit!