Express spiced beet couscous with golden halloumi and fresh orange
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Express spiced beet couscous with golden halloumi and fresh orange

A fast, colorful dish featuring fluffy couscous tinted with grated beet, warm spices, pan-seared halloumi, and fresh orange segments for a juicy, bright contrast.

12 minPrep
13 minCook
25 minTotal
2Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
2
  • 140 g couscous (of grano medio)
  • 180 ml hot water (casi hirviendo)
  • 120 g raw beet (pelada and grated fina)
  • 180 g halloumi cheese (cut en bastones or lonchas)
  • 1 unit orange (in wedges, with a poco of zest reservada)
  • 50 g red onion (thinly sliced finas)
  • 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 22 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 0.5 g ground cinnamon
  • 10 ml honey
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 20 g pistachios (chopped gruesos)
  • 2 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

544 kcal
Calories
21 g
Protein
43 g
Carbs
31 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
38 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyTree Nuts

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Place the couscous in a heatproof bowl with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and half of the cumin. Pour in the hot water, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and sauté the red onion with the grated beet for 3 to 4 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the remaining cumin, the cinnamon, and a pinch of black pepper.

  3. 3

    3. Add the honey and lemon juice to the skillet with the beet mixture and stir for 30 seconds to lightly glaze. Remove from the heat and set aside.

  4. 4

    4. Heat another nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the halloumi and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until deeply golden. If you prefer to use an oven or air fryer, cook it at 400°F / 200°C for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through.

  5. 5

    5. Fluff the couscous with a fork and mix it with the spiced beet mixture, red onion, half of the parsley, and a little orange zest.

  6. 6

    6. Divide the couscous among plates or bowls. Top with the golden halloumi, orange segments, and pistachios.

  7. 7

    7. Finish with the remaining olive oil, the rest of the parsley, and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Chef tips

Grate the beet on the fine side of a grater so it cooks quickly and colors the couscous evenly. If the orange is very sweet, add a few extra drops of lemon juice for balance.

Substitutions

You can swap the halloumi for firm panela cheese or seared feta. Parsley can be replaced with mint. Almonds or walnuts can be used instead of pistachios if preferred.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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