Description
This Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and comforting dish perfect for any season. Packed with tender vegetables, chewy pearl couscous, and savory herbs, this soup offers a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes. It’s ideal for a light lunch or a warming dinner and can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create the perfect base for sautéeing your aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook them until translucent and fragrant, usually about 3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in diced carrots, celery, and zucchini and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but retain some texture.
- Add Main Ingredients: Add pearl couscous, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the couscous is tender and flavors meld.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute or add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for variation.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chickpeas or white beans.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Gluten-free pearl couscous alternatives are available if you require a gluten-free diet.
