![Croatian-style Couscous](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-auto,dpr-auto/recipes/couscous-dish--croatian-cuisine--b284309f-b998-4011-9608-1f4df3b858c6.png)
Recipe
Croatian-style Couscous
Mediterranean Delight: Croatian Couscous with a Twist
4.8 out of 5
In Croatian cuisine, we embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean while adding our own unique touch. This Croatian-style Couscous recipe combines the traditional North African dish with local ingredients and spices, resulting in a delightful fusion of flavors that will transport you to the sunny shores of Croatia.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
15 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Mediterranean diet, Pescatarian, Vegetarian (if shrimp is omitted), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free couscous), Dairy-free
Allergens
Shellfish (shrimp)
Not suitable for
Vegan (contains shrimp), Paleo, Low-carb, Nut-free, Soy-free
Ingredients
While the original North African couscous is typically made with a variety of spices and ingredients like lamb or chicken, Croatian-style couscous incorporates local Mediterranean flavors such as olive oil, fresh herbs, and seafood. This adaptation also includes Croatian vegetables and a touch of Croatian wine for added depth of flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Couscous (dish), so you can check it out.
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2 cups (400g) couscous 2 cups (400g) couscous
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2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
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2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
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1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup (150g) cooked shrimp 1 cup (150g) cooked shrimp
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1/4 cup (60ml) white wine 1/4 cup (60ml) white wine
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat: 6g (1g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 54g (5g sugars)
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
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1.In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
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2.Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the saucepan, and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
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3.Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cooked shrimp, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
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4.Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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5.In a separate pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous absorbs the broth.
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6.Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer it to the saucepan with the vegetables and shrimp. Mix well to combine.
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7.Stir in the chopped parsley and mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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8.Serve the Croatian-style couscous warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Couscous — Fluff the couscous with a fork after cooking to ensure light and fluffy texture.
- Shrimp — If using frozen shrimp, thaw them before cooking and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
- Fresh herbs — Chop the herbs just before adding them to the dish to retain their vibrant flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes — If you prefer a softer texture, cook the cherry tomatoes for a few minutes longer until they start to break down.
- White wine — Use a dry white wine for a subtle tangy flavor, or substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
Tips & Tricks
- For added flavor, toast the couscous in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking it in the vegetable broth.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite Mediterranean vegetables such as eggplant or artichokes.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the couscous before serving.
- Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing couscous salad the next day.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro to give the dish a unique twist.
Serving advice
Serve the Croatian-style couscous as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Presentation advice
Garnish the couscous with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a large serving bowl or individual plates for an elegant presentation.
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