Are you looking for the perfect side dish to serve with couscous? Look no further! In this article, we’ve curated a list of 20 delicious side dishes that will elevate your couscous to new heights. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a special occasion, these flavorful accompaniments will complement your couscous perfectly.
What is the best side dish for couscous? Well, it depends on your taste preferences and the flavors you want to enhance. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that cater to different palates. Let’s explore these mouthwatering side dishes and get ready to take your couscous to the next level.
Grilled Vegetables: A Flavorful Pairing
Grilled vegetables are a fantastic choice to serve with couscous. The smoky, charred flavors of grilled zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions complement the light and fluffy texture of couscous perfectly. You can marinate the vegetables in your favorite herbs and spices, then grill them until tender and slightly caramelized. The result is a colorful and delicious side dish that adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
Salsa Chicken: Tangy and Spicy Delight
If you’re craving bold flavors, salsa chicken is an excellent choice to pair with couscous. Simply season chicken breasts with your favorite spices, then top them with salsa and bake until cooked through. The tangy and spicy salsa adds a burst of flavor to the mild couscous, creating a mouthwatering combination that is sure to please your taste buds.
Moroccan Cauliflower: Aromatic and Exotic
Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this aromatic and exotic side dish. Roasted cauliflower seasoned with Moroccan spices such as cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon pairs beautifully with couscous. The fragrant flavors of the spices infuse the cauliflower, creating a flavorful and satisfying addition to your couscous. Top it off with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Beef Kebabs: Savory and Satisfying
For meat lovers, beef kebabs are a fantastic choice to serve alongside couscous. Marinated chunks of beef, threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection, make for a savory and satisfying pairing. The tender, juicy beef complements the fluffy couscous, creating a delicious and filling meal. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Cola Chicken: Unexpectedly Delicious
Looking for a unique twist on traditional chicken dishes? Try cola chicken! This unexpected combination of cola and chicken creates a sweet and savory glaze that pairs wonderfully with couscous. Simply simmer chicken thighs in a mixture of cola, soy sauce, and spices until cooked through and glazed. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that adds a touch of indulgence to your couscous.
Garlic Tofu: A Vegetarian Option
For vegetarians or those looking to add more plant-based options to their meals, garlic tofu is a fantastic choice. Crispy tofu cubes sautéed with garlic and soy sauce create a flavorful and protein-packed addition to couscous. The combination of the crispy tofu and the fluffy couscous provides a light and satisfying meal option. You can customize the flavor profile by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the dish.
Chickpea Salad: Fresh and Nutritious
A refreshing and nutritious side dish that pairs beautifully with couscous is a chickpea salad. Combine cooked chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. Drizzle with a simple lemon vinaigrette and toss it all together. The combination of the crunchy vegetables, creamy chickpeas, and zesty dressing adds a burst of freshness and texture to your couscous.
Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: A Seafood Delight
If you’re a seafood lover, honey garlic glazed salmon is an excellent choice to serve alongside couscous. The sweet and savory glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger perfectly complements the tender and flaky salmon. The richness of the salmon pairs wonderfully with the light and fluffy couscous, creating a well-balanced and delicious meal.
Moroccan Chickpea Stew: Hearty and Flavorful
For a heartier option, consider serving couscous with a Moroccan chickpea stew. This flavorful and aromatic stew features a combination of spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, along with tender chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetables. The stew simmers slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a comforting and filling dish. Serve it over couscous for a satisfying meal that is packed with protein and fiber.
Falafels: Crispy and Middle Eastern-Inspired
Crispy falafels are a popular choice when it comes to pairing with couscous. These flavorful Middle Eastern patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. Fry or bake them until golden and crispy, and serve them alongside couscous for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option. Top with tahini sauce or a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
Grilled Cod: Light and Flaky
If you prefer lighter seafood options, grilled cod is an excellent choice to serve with couscous. Marinate the cod fillets with lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs, then grill until flaky and tender. The mild and delicate flavor of the cod pairs well with the light and fluffy couscous, creating a simple yet satisfying meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of brightness.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Healthy and Refreshing
For a healthier twist, consider serving couscous with a Mediterranean quinoa salad. This refreshing and nutrient-packed salad combines cooked quinoa with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb dressing. The combination of flavors and textures adds a delightful contrast to the couscous, making it a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal.
Ratatouille: A French Classic
Transport yourself to the flavors of Provence with ratatouille, a classic French side dish that pairs beautifully with couscous. This hearty vegetable stew features a medley of summer vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, cooked slowly until tender and flavorful. The rich and savory flavors of the ratatouille complement the couscous and create a satisfying and comforting meal.
Lentil Curry: Rich and Spicy
If you’re craving bold and spicy flavors, serve couscous with a delicious lentil curry. This hearty and flavorful dish combines lentils with a blend of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The rich and creamy curry sauce pairs beautifully with the couscous, creating a satisfying and protein-packed meal. Serve it with naan bread for a complete Indian-inspired feast.
Greek Salad: Fresh and Vibrant
A classic Greek salad is a delightful accompaniment to couscous. This fresh and vibrant salad combines crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of flavors adds a burst of freshness to the couscous, making it a perfect choice for a light and healthy meal option.
Summer Salad by the Lake: Light and Refreshing
For a light and refreshing side dish, consider serving couscous with a summer salad by the lake. This colorful and nutritious salad features a mix of fresh greens, strawberries, blueberries, goat cheese, and toasted almonds. Drizzle it with a citrus vinaigrette for a burst of brightness. The vibrant flavors and textures of this salad perfectly complement the couscous, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pairing couscous with the right side dish can elevate your meal to new heights. From grilled vegetables to Moroccan-inspired stews, there are endless options to explore. The versatility and quick cooking time of couscous make it a go-to choice for busy individuals who still crave a delicious and satisfying meal. So why not step out of your culinary comfort zone and experiment with these delectable side dishes?
With our curated list of 20 mouthwatering recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas to make your couscous shine. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a wholesome weeknight meal, these side dishes will impress your guests and leave you craving more. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and discover the perfect accompaniments for your couscous. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and make every meal a memorable experience. Enjoy!
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