Express pearl couscous with zaatar turkey, golden zucchini and lemon yogurt
⏲️ Under 30 Minutes
Easy

Express pearl couscous with zaatar turkey, golden zucchini and lemon yogurt

A quick and original pearl couscous dish with zaatar-spiced turkey, deeply golden zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and a fresh lemon yogurt sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes with plenty of texture contrast.

10 minPrep
18 minCook
28 minTotal
4Servings
High Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 180 g pearl couscous (also llamado israelí)
  • 400 g turkey breast strips (skinless)
  • 300 g zucchini (en medias lunas finas)
  • 180 g cherry tomatoes (cut por the mitad)
  • 160 g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
  • 450 ml chicken broth or water (for cocer the cuscús)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 12 g zaatar (mezcla of especias)
  • 2 cloves garlic (1 grated and 1 chopped)
  • 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 2 tbsp of zumo)
  • 80 g red onion (en pluma fina)
  • 15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 4 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

432 kcal
Calories
32.5 g
Protein
32.8 g
Carbs
18.1 g
Fat
3.6 g
Fiber
29.2 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

GlutenDairySesame

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pearl couscous and a pinch of salt, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir once and set aside.

  2. 2

    2. While the couscous cooks, mix the Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.

  3. 3

    3. Season the turkey breast strips with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the zaatar, half a teaspoon of salt, and black pepper, coating the meat evenly.

  4. 4

    4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add half of the remaining oil and cook the turkey for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until browned and fully cooked. If checking internal temperature, it should reach 165°F/74°C. Transfer to a plate.

  5. 5

    5. In the same skillet, add the rest of the oil, the red onion, and the chopped garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  6. 6

    6. Add the zucchini and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat, without stirring too much at first so it can brown. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook 2 more minutes until they start to soften.

  7. 7

    7. Add the cooked pearl couscous to the skillet with the zucchini and tomatoes. Toss for 1 minute so it absorbs the juices. Adjust with the remaining salt and black pepper.

  8. 8

    8. Return the turkey to the skillet, add half of the fresh parsley, and toss for 30 seconds to combine.

  9. 9

    9. Serve the pearl couscous with turkey and vegetables in shallow bowls. Finish with spoonfuls of lemon yogurt and the remaining fresh parsley on top.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, toast the pearl couscous dry for 1 minute before adding the broth. Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning the turkey so it sears properly.

Substitutions

You can substitute the turkey with chicken strips. Greek yogurt can be replaced with thick plain yogurt. If you do not have zaatar, use a mix of dried oregano, sesame, and a pinch of cumin, keeping allergens in mind.

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: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    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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