Tomato & couscous soup

This Tomato & Couscous Soup is a hearty blend of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and savory tomatoes, enhanced by the texture of couscous. It's a simple, nutritious dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for any season.

17 Dec 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 short spray cooking spray oil
1 onion
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
2 tsp ground cumin
1 stalk celery
1 potato
1 carrot
2 cups water
1 can canned tomatoes
3/4 cup green beans
1/3 cup couscous
Tomato & couscous soup

Tomato & couscous soup is a comforting and wholesome dish that is perfect for any season. Packed with flavor from fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and savory tomatoes, this soup also gets a pleasant texture from the addition of couscous. It's a nutritious meal that is both easy to prepare and delicious to savor.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Chop the red hot chili peppers (remove seeds if you prefer less heat).
- Chop the celery stalk.
- Peel and dice the potato.
- Peel and chop the carrot.
- Cut the green beans into small pieces.
2. Heat Oil:
- Lightly spray a large pot with cooking spray oil and heat it over medium heat.
3. Cook Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red hot chili peppers, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Spices:
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
5. Add Vegetables:
- Throw in the chopped celery, diced potato, and chopped carrot. Stir well to combine with the spices, cooking for about 5 minutes.
6. Add Liquids and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the 2 cups of water and add the canned tomatoes. Stir to mix all ingredients together.
7. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Add Green Beans and Couscous:
- Add the green beans to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Gradually stir in the couscous, mixing well to ensure it's evenly distributed.
9. Final Simmer:
- Continue to simmer the soup for another 5-7 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed some of the liquid.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Tomato & Couscous Soup!

This Tomato & couscous soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite at your dining table. The combination of fresh vegetables, spices, and couscous creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Enjoy this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tomato & couscous soup FAQ:

How long should I simmer the soup?

Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes after adding the vegetables, and then an additional 5-7 minutes after adding the couscous. This ensures the vegetables are tender and the couscous is cooked properly.

What if I don't have couscous?

If you don't have couscous, you can substitute it with quinoa or small pasta. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as they may require different times to cook.

How should I store leftover soup?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just be sure to let it cool before freezing.

What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?

If you don't have canned tomatoes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes or tomato puree as alternatives. You may need to adjust the seasoning and liquid since fresh tomatoes contain more water.

How can I reduce the spiciness of the soup?

To reduce the spiciness, omit the red hot chili peppers or use fewer of them. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving to balance the heat.

Tips:

- Chop all your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic and finely chop the chili peppers for a well-distributed heat.

- Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and chili peppers in the cooking spray oil to bring out their flavors. Add the ground cumin at this stage to toast the spice, enhancing its aroma.

- Add the harder vegetables like celery, potato, and carrot first, as they need more time to cook. Later, add the water, canned tomatoes, and green beans.

- Add the couscous towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too mushy. Let it simmer just enough to absorb the flavors of the soup.

- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 130kcal
Protein 4.76g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 7g
Sugar 9g
Fat 1.02g

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