Spanish Roasted Veg Bowl with Couscous and Chickpeas
Why this recipe works
- Smoky depth: Smoked paprika, garlic and olive oil give the roasted vegetables a savoury Spanish-style base.
- Bright, balanced finish: Lemon and sherry vinegar cut through the richness of the roasted vegetables and keep the couscous lively.
- Good for preparing ahead: The couscous, chickpeas, roasted vegetables and dressing can be stored separately, then combined just before serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm vegetables: Firm aubergine and courgette hold their shape better during roasting and give a more satisfying texture.
- Use smoked paprika for character: Smoked paprika is key to the dish’s savoury, Spanish-inspired flavour; sweet smoked paprika keeps the bowl mellow.
- Adjust the dressing to taste: Add a little more lemon or vinegar if the couscous tastes flat, especially after chilling.
Timing notes
- Mostly hands-off cooking: Once the vegetables are in the oven, the couscous and dressing can be prepared while they roast.
- Dress just before serving: Spoon the dressing over the bowl at the end so the couscous stays fluffy and the roasted vegetables stay glossy.
Make-ahead tips
- Store separately: Keep the couscous, roasted vegetables and dressing in separate airtight containers so the texture stays fresh.
- Reheat gently: Warm the couscous and vegetables in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, then add the dressing and parsley.
Common mistakes
- Avoid crowding the tray: Give the vegetables enough space on the baking tray so they roast and brown rather than steam.
- Do not over-wet the couscous: Cover the couscous while it steeps, then fluff it well so the grains stay light rather than clumpy.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Cut the aubergine, courgette and red pepper into bite-sized chunks, then thinly slice the garlic.
- Tip the vegetables and garlic onto a baking tray and toss with 2 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil, the smoked paprika, fine sea salt and black pepper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until deeply browned and tender.
- Put the couscous in a heatproof bowl and pour over the just-boiled water. Cover and leave for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas, then stir them through the couscous to warm through. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
- Finely grate the lemon zest into a small bowl, then squeeze in the juice. Whisk in the sherry vinegar and the remaining 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then season with a pinch more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed.
- Divide the couscous and chickpeas between two bowls and top with the roasted vegetables. Spoon over the dressing and finish with the fresh parsley.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Cut the vegetables to a similar size so they roast evenly and caramelise at the same time.
- For the best flavour, let the roasted vegetables sit for 2 minutes before serving so the dressing clings rather than sliding off.
Substitutions
- Replace sherry vinegar with red wine vinegar for a slightly sharper dressing.
- Replace couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free bowl.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store the couscous and roasted vegetables in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate the dressing separately and toss through just before serving; reheat the vegetables and couscous in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 10 to 12 minutes until piping hot.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 45min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Spanish
-
Allergens:
Gluten
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