03 May 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous
1.50 cups vegetable broth
2 onions
1 onion
1 garlic clove
1 can black beans
1 can sweet corn
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp red pepper (spice)
This Black Bean and Corn Couscous Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the robust flavors of black beans, sweet corn, and aromatic spices with fluffy couscous. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, it's not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Couscous:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Stir in the couscous, cover the pan, and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the broth.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the 2 small onions and set aside.
- Finely chop the medium onion and set aside.
- Mince the garlic clove.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions (both the small onions and the medium onion) and garlic to the pan.
- Sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning them.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, sautéed onions and garlic, black beans, and sweet corn.
- Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, and red pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
6. Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more lemon juice, cumin, paprika, or red pepper according to your preference.
- Optionally, you can garnish with some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
7. Serve:
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold as a salad or a side dish. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- Rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve taste.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocados to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Let the couscous cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste - you can add more cumin, paprika, or lemon juice based on your preference.
Enjoy your flavorful and colorful Black Bean and Corn Couscous Salad, a healthy and delightful dish suitable for any occasion. This salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping.