
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.
Ingredients
- 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
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
Instructions
- 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Divide the couscous among plates or bowls. Top with the golden halloumi, orange segments, and pistachios.
- 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 imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageT-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
Illustrative imageVictorinox 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
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign inRelated recipes

Quick Crispy Chickpea Tacos with Seared Pineapple and Chipotle Cream
27 min

Quick crispy halloumi tacos with avocado crema, charred corn and lime
25 min

Quick Lemon Chickpea Skillet with Spinach and Spiced Yogurt
25 min

Warm White Bean Toasts with Burst Tomatoes, Corn and Lemon Cream
25 min

Quick Udon Stir-Fry with Miso Mushrooms, Spinach and Jammy Egg
25 min

Express farfalle with paprika chicken, light ricotta cream, and peas with mint
28 min