Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/13 checked
2
servings
1 cup

instant couscous

1 cup

stock of your choice

3 unit

purple onions

sliced

1 unit

green onion

sliced

1 unit

garlic clove

minced

2 tbsp

tomato paste

1 bunch

fresh parsley

chopped

1 unit

fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp

good quality olive oil

1 pinch

salt

1 pinch

pepper

1 tsp

paprika

0.5 tsp

cayenne pepper

Step 1
~2 min

Combine couscous and stock/water in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2
~2 min

Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds, or until liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 3
~2 min

Cover the bowl with a plate and set aside.

Step 4
~2 min

Alternatively, cook couscous on the stove according to package directions.

Step 5
~2 min

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add chilli flakes.

Step 6
~2 min

Fry for 30 seconds, then add sliced purple onions (reserve green onions).

Step 7
~2 min

Cook until onions are translucent and slightly browned.

Step 8
~2 min

Add minced garlic, paprika, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.

Step 9
~2 min

Stir in the cooked couscous and fry for a few seconds.

Step 10
~2 min

Remove from heat.

Step 11
~2 min

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 12
~2 min

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Step 13
~2 min

Serve and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.

For a richer flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Add some chopped tomatoes or cucumbers for a fresh twist.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made ahead and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Low
Smell Intensity
Moderate
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Enjoy as a light lunch on its own.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Grilled chicken
Roasted vegetables
Lamb kebabs

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Turkey

Cultural Significance

Common side dish in Turkish cuisine.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Potluck
Lunch

Popularity Score

65/100

More Turkish Lunch Recipes

Discover more delicious Turkish Lunch recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Turkish
Medium
A

Turkish Lamb And Spinach Flatbread

4.5
(869 reviews)

Savory Turkish flatbread filled with seasoned ground lamb, spinach, and feta cheese.

60 min
450 cal
Mediterranean
70%
75
Turkish
Easy
A-

Easy Turkish Zucchini & Cheese Fritters

4.3
(1967 reviews)

Quick and easy Turkish-inspired zucchini and cheese fritters, perfect as a side dish or light meal.

25 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (with substitution)
80%
75
Turkish
Medium
A-

Lahmacun Turkish Flatbread

4.1
(821 reviews)

A flavorful Turkish flatbread topped with a spiced lamb mixture.

75 min
300 cal
Wheat
Meat
70%
75
Turkish
Medium
A+

Veggie Bulgur Salad (Kisir)

4.1
(1581 reviews)

A refreshing and flavorful vegetarian bulgur salad with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing.

45 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Vegan (if honey is omitted)
85%
75
Turkish
Medium
C+

Turkish Borek

4.3
(58 reviews)

A savory Turkish pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and vegetables, layered between flaky yufka dough.

70 min
N/A cal
Dairy
Meat
65%
75
Turkish
Medium
A-

Spinach And Cheese Turkish Pides

4.2
(468 reviews)

Delicious Turkish pides filled with a savory spinach and cheese mixture.

55 min
400 cal
Vegetarian
75%
70
Turkish
Hard
C+

Turkish Spicy Meat-Filled Flatbread

4.2
(750 reviews)

A delicious Turkish flatbread filled with spiced lamb and eggplant. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

67 min
450 cal
75%
70
Turkish
Medium
A+

Cold Turkish Green Tomato Soup

4.2
(983 reviews)

A refreshing and tangy cold soup made with green tomatoes, yogurt, and a touch of Turkish flair.

130 min
250 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
75%
65