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Moroccan-Inspired Couscous with Roasted Chickpeas and Sweet Potato Recipe

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A flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish featuring roasted chickpeas and sweet potatoes seasoned with warm spices, served over fluffy couscous tossed in a zesty lemon and garlic dressing. This vibrant, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal that combines roasted and stovetop cooking methods.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Spice Mix

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

  • 1 (19 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 lb sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 large sweet potato)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Couscous

  • 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup uncooked couscous

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or substitute 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or substitute brown sugar or agave syrup for vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 scant tablespoon chopped fresh parsley)
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare spice mix: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, cayenne, and ground ginger. Stir well until evenly mixed and set aside.
  2. Prepare and season vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a large sheet pan, spread out the diced sweet potatoes and rinsed chickpeas. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle the prepared spice mix over them. Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the spice paste.
  3. Roast vegetables and chickpeas: Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Halfway through roasting, flip the sweet potatoes and chickpeas to ensure even cooking.
  4. Cook couscous: While roasting, bring the water or vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon olive oil to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in the couscous, cover tightly, and remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the couscous to steam for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Keep covered to retain warmth.
  5. Make dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
  6. Assemble the dish: In a large bowl, mix the cooked couscous with the dressing until coated evenly. Gently fold in the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute honey with brown sugar or agave syrup.
  • You can use vegetable broth instead of water to add more flavor to the couscous.
  • Ensure sweet potatoes are cut evenly for uniform roasting.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Feel free to add toasted nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and sweetness.