One thing I miss on the Keto diet is pasta. I also miss beans and corn and bananas and…..the list goes on. Some people substitute pasta with zoodles or something similar, but it is just not the same. Pasta is difficult to replicate.
Couscous is pasta, but in this side dish, cauliflower rice is actually a good substitute. Since couscous is tiny beads of pasta, cauliflower rice is about the same size and texture. So far, this is the only pasta dupe that satisfied a pasta similarity. Of course, if you are not on a Keto diet, by all means, use real couscous!
Mixed with a variety of vegetables, this “couscous” is a delicious side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
(Optional) 2 carrots, diced (if on a low-carb diet, omit carrots)
1/2 cup celery, diced
1 onion, diced
1 yellow pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 yellow squash or zucchini, sliced and quartered
4 Tbsp. olive oil, approximately
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper
Dash of hot pepper sauce, or to taste
1 – 2 cups frozen cauliflower rice
(Alternative to the cauli rice) 1 cup uncooked couscous prepared in 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
If Using Cauliflower Rice:
In a skillet, saute the celery, carrots (if using), onion, peppers and squash in the olive oil for approximately 5-6 minutes or until crisp and tender. Add the remaining ingredients. Cook until hot and serve immediately.
If Using Couscous
In a skillet, saute the celery, carrots (if using), onion, peppers and zucchini in the olive oil for approximately 5-6 minutes or until crisp and tender. Add the basil, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Stir in the uncooked couscous and broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5-8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
I served my Faux Vegetable Couscous topped with The Pioneer Woman’s Honey Soy Salmon garnished with some fresh chopped parsley. Delicious!
4 thoughts to “Faux Vegetable Couscous”