Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure - a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Curried Couscous with Roasted Red Pepper, Peas, and Tofu is not just a recipe; it's a journey through exotic spices, textures, and colors that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to explore exciting plant-based cuisine, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 red bell pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain tofu and press between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
- If not pre-roasted, char the red bell pepper over an open flame or under the broiler until skin is blackened. Place in a covered bowl to steam, then peel and chop.
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in curry powder and couscous. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork. Add frozen peas, which will cook from the residual heat.
- Gently fold in roasted red pepper and crispy tofu cubes into the couscous mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and curry powder if needed.
- Serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Press your tofu thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness - use a tofu press or place heavy books on paper towel-wrapped tofu for 15-30 minutes.
- For enhanced flavor, toast your curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the broth to release its full aromatic potential.
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor, or substitute with water and additional spices if needed.
- Allow the couscous to steam undisturbed for exactly 5 minutes to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- For extra richness, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast when serving.
- Experiment with different herb garnishes like fresh mint or basil to customize the flavor profile.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the couscous mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
