Couscous meatballs
Sometimes, when the fridge is almost empty, I turn back to couscous and vegetable recipes. It's the kind of dish that you can easily improvise without making a special trip to the store. I made this recipe one evening when I needed something quick before heading out. It didn't take long, and every time I make it, it's the kind of dinner that disappears quickly from the table.
Quick Info
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: about 2-3
Difficulty: easy
Recipe Type: warm snack, vegetarian main dish
Ingredients
100 g couscous
1 garlic clove
200 g potatoes
100 g carrots
150 g zucchini
1 egg
salt
pepper
curry
fresh thyme
turmeric
sesame seeds
Preparation Method
1. Start with the potatoes. Boil them until a fork goes in easily. Once they cool enough to handle, peel them and grate coarsely.
2. Place the couscous in a bowl. Prepare it according to the instructions on the package. Usually, you pour hot water over it, cover it, and let it sit for a few minutes, but each type may have slightly different details.
3. Peel the carrots and grate them. Wash and grate the zucchini as well.
4. Heat a pan with a little oil. Add the grated carrot and zucchini, along with a crushed garlic clove and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, just until they soften a bit. Finally, add a little curry and turmeric for flavor and color.
5. In a large bowl, mix the hydrated couscous with the grated potatoes, sautéed carrots, and zucchini, one egg, salt, and pepper to taste. Homogenize the mixture.
6. Form small patties, not too big, so they cook well in the oven. Roll them in sesame seeds to create a crust.
7. Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a thin thread of oil on top.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius, fan mode, for about 10 minutes. They brown very quickly due to the sesame seeds, so no need for more time.
Why I Make This Recipe Often
It's a good solution for moments when I need to quickly use up the leftover vegetables in the fridge. Plus, these patties are tasty and not heavy. They are quick to make and don't require much time in the kitchen.
Tips and Variations
Tips
If the carrot or zucchini has too much water, squeeze them gently after grating, so the mixture doesn't end up too soft.
Couscous absorbs liquid, so don't overdo it with the egg – one is enough for the given quantities.
Substitutions
You can use dried thyme if you don't have fresh.
Zucchini can be replaced with classic squash if you have another variety on hand.
Curry and turmeric can be omitted or adjusted to taste.
Variations
You can add other grated vegetables if you like. Bell pepper or parsnip work well if you have them in the fridge.
For a firmer texture, you can add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs if you find the mixture too wet.
Serving Ideas
They can be eaten warm or cold. They pair well with a green salad or plain yogurt. You can also wrap them in a flatbread with some lettuce leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them without egg?
You can try using an egg substitute (for example, a mix of ground flaxseeds with water), but the texture may be slightly different. The original recipe includes egg to bind the mixture.
Can I fry the patties instead of baking them?
The recipe is designed for the oven, but if you want to fry them, make them smaller and turn them often. However, they may absorb quite a bit of oil.
How much couscous should I use if I want to double the recipe?
Double all the ingredients, including the couscous (that is, 200 g).
Can I make the patties without sesame seeds?
Yes, sesame seeds give a nice crust, but they are not mandatory. You can leave the patties plain or coat them with a bit of breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Values
Approximately, for a medium serving (from 2-3 servings):
Calories: 230-270 kcal
Protein: 7-8 g
Carbohydrates: 35-38 g
Fats: 7-9 g
Values depend on how many sesame seeds you use and how much oil you add. The recipe has carbohydrates from couscous and potatoes, some protein from the egg, and moderate fats from the sesame seeds and oil.
Storage and Reheating
The patties can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in a sealed container. They can be reheated in the oven for 5-6 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius, or for a few tens of seconds in the microwave. They are not as good after freezing because they change texture. After a day in the fridge, they may become a bit firmer, but they are still edible.
Ingredients: - 100 g of couscous - 1 clove of garlic - 200 g of potatoes - 100 g of carrots - 150 g of zucchini - 1 egg - salt - pepper - curry - thyme - turmeric - sesame seeds
