Couscous with spinach and chickpeas
Dr Rupy adds chickpeas, spinach and spices to transform simple couscous into a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner.
In November 2023, this recipe was costed at an average of £1.00 per portion when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. The recipe is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store-cupboard.
Ingredients
- 240²µ/8¾´Ç³ú couscous
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 200g/7oz red onions, diced
- 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp dried chilli flakes
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tbsp red or white wine vinegar
- 500g/1lb 2oz frozen spinach, thawed
- 2 lemons, juice only
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Place the couscous in a large bowl. Crumble the stock cube into a measuring jug, pour in 350ml/12fl oz hot water and stir to combine. Pour the stock and 1 tablespoon oil into the bowl of couscous and season with salt and pepper. Stir and cover with a plate, then set aside for 10 minutes until the grains are cooked and have absorbed the water. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and add the onion. Season with salt and pepper and fry for 7–8 minutes until slightly coloured. Add the chickpeas, spices, herbs, vinegar and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently for a few minutes to infuse the flavours before adding the spinach. Cook for a further 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the couscous. Squeeze over the lemon juice and give everything a quick stir to combine.