Mediterranean Baked Couscous

Ingredients

• 1 cup wheat couscous
• 1 cup chickpea
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup zucchini
• 1 cup red bell peppers
• 1 cup carrot
• 0.5 cup red onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 cup parsley
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat couscous with 1.5 cups of boiling water. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. 3In another bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and finely chopped red onion.
4. 4Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, then season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5Combine the vegetable mixture with the fluffed couscous, mixing gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
6. 6Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Spread evenly and cover with foil.
7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. 8Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get a slightly crispy top.
9. 9Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the baked couscous before serving.
10. 10Serve hot as a main course. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors that make this dish uniquely satisfying and nutritious.