I’ve always admired (and kind of resented) those people who genuinely love eating their greens. I’ll eat my greens, but I’m not exactly enthusiastic about them…unless it’s broccoli. I ate a lot of stir-fried or steamed broccoli as a kid and liked it well enough, but then sometime in the last few years, I “discovered” roasted broccoli and fell head over heels in love with it. There aren’t many veggies that turn me into the food police to make sure I get an equal portion (this is the only other one that comes to mind), but if you come between me and my roasted broccoli, we’re gonna have a problem. The charred yet slightly sweet flavor and those crispy little bits on the tops of the florets? YUM.
While my taste buds would be perfectly content to munch on a huge bowl of roasted broccoli for dinner, my stomach would be growling a few hours later, so I decided to create a more filling dish that still celebrates the flavor and texture of roasted broccoli. And indeed, this roasted broccoli couscous packs a ton of flavor, despite its somewhat lackluster appearance. Minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and nutty whole wheat couscous round out the smoky, caramelized taste of the roasted broccoli, and since they’re all fairly compact ingredients, you get a little of everything in each bite!
The recipe as listed is intended to be a side dish, but you can easily expand it into a full meal by topping it with some fried eggs. I’ve also found that avocado makes a great addition (to be fair, avocado makes a great addition to most dishes). It may not be the most glamorous meal ever, but it’s pretty freaking delicious! Everyone needs a few go-to recipes for something easy, healthy, and satisfying, and this roasted broccoli couscous definitely fits that bill for me. I hope it will for you as well!
- 2 broccoli crowns (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, see note)
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Remove and discard the tough outer skin of the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into florets and place the florets on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the broccoli; sprinkle with sugar (if using), salt, and pepper and toss to combine. Roast for 20 minutes or until the broccoli has reached your preferred level of charred-ness.
- Prepare the couscous according to the directions on the package. This will most likely call for 1 part couscous and 1 part water.
- Toast the sesame seeds: place the seeds in a small skillet or pan and heat over medium-low, stirring periodically, until they turn a light brown color (about 3-5 minutes).
- Optional (if you don’t object to raw garlic, feel free to skip this step): transfer the sesame seeds from the skillet to a separate bowl or plate, and heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in the skillet over medium for 1-2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring to prevent it from sticking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic.
- Once the broccoli is done, chop it into roughly bite-sized pieces. Combine the chopped broccoli, couscous, and dressing. Top individual portions with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serves 5-6 as a side dish, 3 as an entrée
- To turn this into a light entrée, I recommend adding a fried egg on top of each portion. Diced avocado also makes a great addition.
- According to America's Test Kitchen, adding a little bit of sugar to the broccoli helps it brown more evenly. I'm honestly not sure that I can tell the difference between broccoli with sugar and without (which is why I've listed it as optional), but give it a try and decide for yourself!
My family LOVES broccoli! This sounds like a great recipe to try ASAP.
I’m always a little surprised when people say they don’t like broccoli, because I love it so much. Let me know what you think if you try this!
This looks delicious. Roasting is my favorite way to cook broccoli. #recipeoftheweek
Thanks! Roasting is so easy, too…I’m surprised I didn’t try it earlier!
We made this for dinner tonight and served it with a fried egg as you suggested. Delicious, light, and easy dinner. Another winner!
Wow, that was fast! I’m glad you liked it – thanks for reporting back 🙂
We love broccoli, it has to be a favourite here. This would go down really well here. This will be on my to try list x #recipeoftheweek
Awesome! Let me know what you think if you try it 🙂
And to think that I used to hate broccoli! Now I love the stuff! What a delicious dish!
It’s funny how our taste buds can change so drastically over time, isn’t it? Thanks for stopping by!
Broccoli is one of my favorites too! And you are right about it roasted – brings out a whole different flavor! Love that you paired it with couscous to make a complete side dish, especially where you can get a little of everything in one bite. Totally my style 😉 And I would love this with a fried egg on it for dinner!! Pinned!
Thanks, Kathryn! Eggs + broccoli + a starch has been one of my go-to dinners for a long time, but I wasn’t sure whether it would also appeal to other people. I’m glad to see that it does!
Glamorous or not, this looks delicious Mara!
Thanks, Julie! I’m glad you think so 🙂
Well, when I make this, I’m pretty sure I’m going to eat it all in one sitting. 😉
And there’s really no reason you shouldn’t! Lots of broccoli can’t be a bad thing 🙂
Great vegan dish here Mara, I’ve got to start incorporating couscous and quinoa more frequently in some of my veggie dishes. Lovely!
I love adding couscous and quinoa to veggies, especially salads! I hope you get a chance to try this!
Your broccoli couscous looks delicious! I can totally see myself making this! I have made it with cauliflower and loved it! Happy FF!
Thanks, Suchitra! And yes, this works with all sorts of roasted veggies!
This sounds delicious and healthy! A win-win! 😄
Definitely a win-win! Thanks, Angie 🙂
From very young, broccoli was one of my favorite veggies. I’ve moved away from it in more recent years (as the market has expanded and there are so many veggies available out there now)!
But roasted broc! I’m definitely game to try this dish!
I’ve come around to the idea of most green veggies in my adult life (except asparagus…still can’t learn to like it!), but broccoli is still by far my favorite. I hope you get a chance to try this!
Yummy! Your dish looks so delicious! I have always loved broccoli, cooked in any way but I agree roasted broccoli is a treat. I love the addition of toasted sesame seeds and garlic and mixing it with couscous. So flavourful and healthy! I would only perhaps add a few chilli flakes or chopped chilli to the dish. Thanks for bringing this to the fiesta, Mara! 🙂
Roasted broccoli really is a treat – luckily, a healthy one! I love the idea of adding some spice to this. Thanks for the suggestion!
I love roasted broccoli, too! What a great dish 🙂 I’ll have to try it soon!
Thanks, Megan! Let me know what you think if you try it 🙂
Hey! This looks great. I think this is going to be my new favourite. Thanks for sharing this at the Fiesta. 🙂
I hope you enjoy this as much as we do! Thanks for stopping by!
I used to only love broccoli raw. But now I love it cooked in just about any manner. Roasting is one of the best and this looks like the perfect way to use it!
That’s so funny – I actually can’t stand raw broccoli! I’m glad this caught your eye 🙂
This looks like a lovely side dish and my kids love broccoli! Sometimes I get stuck in a rut…can’t wait to try this!
Thanks, Michelle! It’s possible that I may be stuck in a roasted broccoli rut…but if you love it, is it really a rut? 😉