Vegetable Couscous


3.9 of 5 (178)
editors choice
Nutritional Info
  • Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 219.6
  • Total Fat: 4.0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 14.4 mg
  • Total Carbs: 40.3 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3.7 g
  • Protein: 6.5 g

View full nutritional breakdown of Vegetable Couscous calories by ingredient

This is a SparkPeople.com Recipe (what's this)

Introduction

Fluffy dish will tickle your taste buds. Fluffy dish will tickle your taste buds.

Ingredients

    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced and pressed
    • 2 medium green bell peppers, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup dry couscous
    • 1 1/2 cups water
    • 2 small tomatoes, cut into wedges

Directions

1. Sauté onion, garlic and green pepper in oil in a large skillet until soft, then push to sides of pan.



2. In the center of the skillet, pour in the couscous. Add the water to the couscous, stirring gently. Top this mixture with tomato wedges and the cooked green peppers; cover pan for 3 minutes.



3. Add a little water and cook longer, if needed. Couscous should be light and fluffy.



Serves 4.



Reprinted with permission by Public Health – Seattle & King County

TAGS:  Side Items |

Member Ratings For This Recipe


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    39 of 40 people found this review helpful
    When i make this, i add chopped mushrooms and toasted nuts, either almonds or walnuts. i also allow sprinkling of either goat cheese or feta reduced fat cheese. it really taste awesome with some fresh cut parsley sprinkiled on top. I am lucky to be able to buy whole grain couscous in bulk. - 2/20/09


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    Incredible!
    34 of 34 people found this review helpful
    After cooking vegetables I toast the couscous until I get a nuty aroma then I add warm vegetable broth instead of water. - 10/7/08


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    Very Good
    31 of 31 people found this review helpful
    Replace the couscous with quinoa for more protein (and a complete protein at that), fiber, and better taste (in my opinion). Delicious!!! - 3/14/08


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    Very Good
    21 of 22 people found this review helpful
    subbed chicken broth for water, added rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, and black pepper...used quinoa since I have Celiac...doubled the tomatoes and cooked them with the onions and garlic, etc. I like the griddled veggies idea too. - 3/14/08


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    18 of 19 people found this review helpful
    i will make this again, but only because we discovered that putting balsamic vinaigrette on it boosted the flavor. otherwise, it was bland, bland, bland. - 4/7/08


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    Incredible!
    16 of 17 people found this review helpful
    Great versatile dish! I like to add any veggies that are in season. Is good with chopped asparagus, carrot, squash and zucchini. I sometimes add lentils and make it my main entree. - 4/3/09


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    14 of 16 people found this review helpful
    If you can find whole wheat couscous, it's even tastier and healthier! - 3/14/08


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    11 of 12 people found this review helpful
    great recipe - very easy! I used sundried tomatoes instead of fresh ones, and I added pine nuts and tarragon for little different flavour. Couscous is a great change from pasta, rice or potatoes! - 10/9/08


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    Incredible!
    11 of 11 people found this review helpful
    Awesome dish!!! I added a TON of veggies like asparagus and zucchini added some cumin for flavor and switched the H2O for chicken broth and it was to LIVE for! Can't wait to have it again. - 4/5/08


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    11 of 14 people found this review helpful
    Couscous is a tiny little pasta -- has the mouth feel and consistency of a grain, a little like rice -- common in Middle Eastern food. I love it. You can buy it a box, usually by the rice, and it cooks quick. You don't have to put in butter or oil like it calls for. - 3/14/08


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    Very Good
    10 of 10 people found this review helpful
    I used home made vegetable broth, match stick carrots, pine nuts and zucchini and it was good! Adding this to my meal plans & cookbook - 4/3/09


  • no profile photo

    Good
    10 of 10 people found this review helpful
    I thought this was bland, though my husband enjoyed it - will make using veggie broth next time...and will spice things up a bit somehow. - 2/26/08


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    Incredible!
    9 of 10 people found this review helpful
    Fabulous!! I had half a chicken breast, grilled, over this veggie couscous. Portion is big - definitely recommend! - 10/7/08


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    Very Good
    9 of 11 people found this review helpful
    As lots of others commented - I would add spices for flavour, and use lots of other veggies too. For variety, some tuna or chicken can up the protein content, or add chickpeas (v. Middle Eastern!) - 4/17/08


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    Very Good
    9 of 9 people found this review helpful
    Had to leave out the onions & peppers (can't eat them) so added mushrooms & broccoli. What a treat! - 3/14/08


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    Incredible!
    9 of 10 people found this review helpful
    Super yummy - I added Broccoli, and Sodium Free Herb Ox Brand Beef powdered buillon for more flavor - and 2 types of onions - white & red ! YUMMMMMYYYY !!! :o) - 3/14/08


  • no profile photo

    Good
    8 of 9 people found this review helpful
    Add 1 t. curry powder, 2 T. raisins, slivered almonds
    OR toss w/2 T. dressing and chill
    OR add water chestnuts, snow peas, grated ginger and 2 T. low sodium soy
    OR add rinsed black beans, corn, diced hot peppers, cumin, and 1/4 c. salsa
    Add 3-4 oz. per person of cooked protein for a main course
    - 8/19/09


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    6 of 7 people found this review helpful
    I made this as a side dish to go with the Salmon I grilled. It was so deliscious! I will make this again and again. - 10/10/08


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    Incredible!
    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
    This was really good. The serving size is really big too so unless you are only going to eat this its more like 8 servings. - 3/18/08


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    Incredible!
    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
    I LOVE couscous. I made this with whole wheat couscouse for more nutrients and added more color with red and orange bells. For a twist add some raisins...yummmy - 2/24/08


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    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
    I have added griddled veg like courgettes, aubergines, peppers and onins and made a dressing of olive oil tomato puree, lemon juice and chilli, its lovely hot or cold. - 3/14/08


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    Good
    4 of 5 people found this review helpful
    Okay, but a little bland - would probably be better using broth instead of water. I like the idea to add mushrooms too, and I normally use whole wheat couscous. - 8/15/09


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    Very Good
    4 of 6 people found this review helpful
    I made a veggie sauce using eggplant,zucchini,onion & tomatoes... added to the couscous...maybe next time I'll add some chicken breast... - 4/7/09


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    Very Good
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    I added a bag of frozen veggies instead of the tomatoes and the kids even ate this! :) - 4/10/08


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    Very Good
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    Added some chicken and broccoli and it was very good! Great for using up whatever veggies are laying around. Would be good with no chicken, too. Great use for couscous! - 4/7/08


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    O.K.
    4 of 7 people found this review helpful
    This is horribly bland. Next time I will use some of the suggestions for flavor. Defnitely add some salt. I'll try again, but if it's still bland or icky then I'll toss the recipe. - 4/4/08


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    Very Good
    4 of 4 people found this review helpful
    Great basic dish. You can add any veggies and of course, spice it up with your favorites. I added zuchinni and it was yummy!! - 3/14/08


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    Incredible!
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I love this dish. I added more spice and lots more veggies! I will be making this often. I have not found the WW, but I am still looking for it in my grocery. - 4/10/10


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    Good
    3 of 4 people found this review helpful
    I felt it need a little salt and a little more garlic, but otherwise tasty. - 6/23/09


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    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Delish...and customizable depending on what you have on hand. - 2/20/09


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Great, quick and easy recipe. Very filling and a great side dish. - 5/12/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    This was wonderful with the Taco Salad we had. It rounded everything out nicely. - 4/24/08


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    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Tested this out on the kids last night, but when I was grocery shopping, I bought enough to double the recipe. The family LOVED it. My 14 yo son is going to make it again tonight to take to his cooking class tomorrow! - 4/16/08


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    Very Good
    3 of 5 people found this review helpful
    This was a nice side option especially if you're looking for something a little light - a bit lack luster on flavor, so I would definitely try using a bouillon cube in the pot next time - otherwise a very fast, easy and healthy dish!! - 3/24/08


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    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Yummy! I substituted chciken broth for the water. Thank you for the recipe. - 3/8/08


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    Incredible!
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    absolutely wonderful..also made with vegge stock. - 10/7/07


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    3 of 4 people found this review helpful
    I think this would be great with Hodgson Mills Whole Wheat couscous with added Soy protein and flax seed meal. - 8/8/07


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I used 1 orange bell pepper and some broccoli to give it more color - 4/28/07


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Coucous is a favorite of mine and I use it especially for lunch. During the weekend I oven roast a variety of vegetables and make coucous as well. Then "mix and match" in a "to go" container for lunch at work. Either all veggies or w/protein. Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice add a bit of "kick"! - 1/15/10


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    This is very hearty and delicious. - 1/2/10


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    Yum, I made this tonight for lunch tomorrow and based on my little "taste" I can't wait for lunchtime! Very versatile! - 11/12/09


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    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    This is amazing using fat free and low sodium chicken broth in the place of water. Makes you feel like you're eating something too good to be lowfat and healthy - 8/22/09


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    Made this for dinner last night. I tend to shy away from dishes that have green peppers in them, but I did enjoy this. I have found that I like couscous. I did measure out the four portions and found that each is about 6 oz. of couscous and then divide the tomatoes. My husband liked it too. - 8/9/09


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I just learned a great way to spruce up even the boxed flavored couscous! Looks delicious and it looks like lunch! - 7/28/09


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Had to hunt for the couscous. but it was worth it. Use chicken broth and it did need a little salt. I liked the comments about adding other veggies, which I will try later. It is a nice change of pace side dish. Thank you - 6/2/09


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    This couscous turned out to be really good. Just needed to add some seasoning (salt and pepper). - 4/18/09


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    Wonderful, but I use vegetable stock instead of water. Also if I have any fresh veggies on hand that I need to do something with, I'll throw them in, too. - 4/5/09


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    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I like the idea of adding lots of vegetables to the couscouse, and also of using whole wheat couscous. It lowers the carb count per serving. I would like to try using half the couscous and increasing the veggies for that reason. AKArtist1 - 4/4/09


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I just love this . it was so easy and tasted great - 10/14/08


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I loved this dish and it was so easy to make. Even my 3 year old grandson liked it. - 10/10/08


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    Good
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    This is my first time eating Couscous and it was OK. I wasn't really sure what to expect. But my family liked it. I might make it again. - 8/18/08


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    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    i make something similar to this dish, but i saute tomatoes and black olives in a little oil & balsamic vinegar (sometimes throwing in a little red pepper sauce), then mix with prepared couscous and top with some lowfat feta... it's beyond delicious. - 4/29/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    yummy - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    delicious - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    tasty! - 4/17/08


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    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    yummy! - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    very tasty! - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
    MMMM - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Good
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    tasty - 4/17/08


  • no profile photo

    Incredible!
    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    This was really delicious and very filling thanks. will do again - 4/8/08


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    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
    Best thing I've ever tasted - highly recommend it! - 3/14/08


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    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
    I love couscous..the recipe was simple mouthwatering. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. - 3/14/08


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    Good
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    This was so easy - and tasted great! I used low sodium chicken broth instead of water, and added cumin and red pepper flakes to taste. I can't wait to try some of the other ideas too! - 6/5/10


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    Very Good
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    My husband and I love couscous!!!! I am always looking for recipes with couscous in to try. I sometimes add a little lemon juice to couscous. Summer is here, great recipe for summer!!! - 6/2/10


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    Incredible!
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    Delicious! Really enjoyed - 4/12/10


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    Good
    1 of 3 people found this review helpful
    My kids even ate it! - 3/23/10


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    Good
    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
    is one serving 1/3 cup? - 3/23/10


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    Good
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
    This is a good base recipe to make additions to. By itself it's rather bland, with the addition of more veggies, vegetable stock in place of water and possible toppings it's wonderful. - 3/21/10


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    1 of 5 people found this review helpful
    coucous is a very very small looking rice it takes like 5 mins to cook and is figure friendly! its an italian thing - 10/16/09


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    Incredible!
    1 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I love cous cous and yes it can be bland but if you add the low calorie flavoured tuna's or lightly grilll some chicken and replace the water with chicken stock it tastes just great! Really filling too - 4/17/08


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    1 of 3 people found this review helpful
    I love couscous, but I did not like this recipe. - 4/6/08


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    Very Good
    I used two different types of frozen stir fry bags and fried with lots of garlic very good but something missing maybe add some salmon next time - 12/6/12


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    Very Good
    I added cubed ham and some spicy seasoning. So good! My son put some salsa on his and said it was really good. Will be making this again! - 7/22/12


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    Incredible!
    I have never ate Couscous before this was wonderful, I used zucchini squash instead of the peppers and this was wonderful - 5/23/12


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    O.K.
    The method on this recipe worked very well, but it was very bland. I added black pepper, italian herbs and some parm cheese before it was edible. - 8/21/11


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    Incredible!
    I used chicken broth and just did a yellow pepper with some garlic, YUMMY and I used ww couscous - 4/14/11


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    O.K.
    added balsamic vinegar , basil and oregano, still bland .. so i added soy sauce.. it was all right ..need to find a better combination of ingredients - 1/20/11


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    Couscous and lemon chicken made Morrocan style is heavenly. - 12/28/10


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    O.K.
    Rather plain in flavor. - 10/18/10


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    this is the best . my man loved it . will make it again. thank you - 10/5/10


  • no profile photo

    O.K.
    My husband didn't like this at all. It was a little bland. - 9/14/10


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    Incredible!
    Very good! My husband and son loved it. This has become my go-to couscous recipe! - 8/14/10


  • no profile photo

    Very Good
    I love couscous! - 7/17/10


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    Incredible!
    Wonderful! I only used one green pepper and added zucchini and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe! - 7/7/10


  • no profile photo

    Good
    I like the sound of it, sort of like a tabouli. So I will add some lemon juice and parsley and mint to it. Also needs some seasoning as noted by others. - 6/26/10


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    Very Good
    Just discover couscous - adding pine nuts gives it a bit of crunch. - 6/15/10


  • no profile photo

    O.K.
    Added onion powder and garlic powder. not all that good and then added balsamic vinegar and it improved flavor just a little. - 6/10/10


  • no profile photo

    Good
    It is a little bland...I have just made it and sure appreciated all the comments...I will be jazzing it up some. - 6/7/10


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    Very Good
    Like so many have suggested, use broth (low sodium) instead of water and any variety of spices and veggies--what you have on hand and/or your favorites. Actually, I almost always use broth (and often diced veggies) to cook pastas, rice, potatoes, etc. So much more flavorful. - 6/6/10


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    Bad
    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
    I hate to be a hater. but this isn't the real way to make couscous. couscous takes 2 hrs to make, let alone any veggies to go with it. you wash it and dry it (by steaming) especially with a colander. read "Couscous and other goods from Morocco" to know the REAL way to make couscous. - 6/6/10


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    Good
    I made this recipe with green, yellow and red peppers, fresh parsley for lunch as a side dish. At night, we had some over a bed of romaine salad...yum! - 6/5/10


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    Very Good
    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
    Sounds incredible and will save to my cookbook!! - 6/5/10


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    some people can't eat Green Peppers..(i know i get heart burn if i eat them) so i use Brocolli instead of the Green Peppers. I love Brocolli this makes this dish taste wonderful.. - 6/5/10


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    Still don't like couscous . . . but OK if you do. I just keep hoping! - 6/5/10


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    Someone gave me some couscous and I was wondering WHAT to do with it LOL now I will try this. - 5/20/10


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    Very Good
    I added extra veg,(brocolli,beans,carrots)left over from last night,kids enjoyed it as well - 5/10/10


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    I haven't made this yet, but am saving it and am looking forward to trying it! - 5/7/10


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    Yum, don't forget the garlic! - 5/7/10


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    O.K.
    I would have chosen whole wheat couscous for more fiber and any fresh herbs I had on hand like cilantro, parsley, basil or mint. - 3/29/10


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    Incredible!
    This is awesome. I added fresh asparagus and it turned out wonderfully! - 3/22/10