Description
Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines the chewy texture of pearl couscous with a vibrant mix of vegetables in a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or light meals, this soup is quick to prepare, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and offers a satisfying yet light experience that’s easy to customize to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium zucchini or summer squash, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and finely chop the carrots, celery, onion, and zucchini. Mince the garlic cloves to ensure even infusion of flavors in the broth. Having all vegetables ready upfront speeds up the cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This builds the savory base of the soup.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables while maintaining their texture and color.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 15 minutes to meld flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Incorporate Pearl Couscous: Stir in the pearl couscous, distributing it evenly. Continue simmering for another 8-10 minutes until the couscous is tender but still slightly chewy.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. Remove from heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes to deepen the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast pearl couscous in olive oil before adding liquids.
- Do not overcook the couscous to maintain a firm, chewy texture.
- Sauté garlic and onions first to build a better depth of flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh taste.
- Adjust the amount of broth to get your preferred soup thickness.
- Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or tofu for extra protein.
- Incorporate leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard near the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
- You can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if preferred.
- Top with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a cheesy finish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze soup without the couscous to prevent texture changes; add fresh couscous when reheating.
- Reheat gently on low heat, adding broth or water to loosen if thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: pearl couscous soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, quick soup, Mediterranean vegetable soup