Carrot & Chickpea Couscous

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   2 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Set the oven to 220°C (430°F).
   • Prepare a large roasting tray.

2. Prepare Vegetables

   10 min hands-on

   • Slice the carrots lengthwise into halves.
   • Peel and trim the onions, then cut into six wedges and separate into petals.
   • Add carrots, onions, and vegetarian fillets to the tray.
   • Rinse and drain chickpeas thoroughly, then add to the tray.

3. Season and Toss

   2 min hands-on

   • Drizzle olive oil evenly over the tray ingredients.
   • Sprinkle fennel seeds, paprika, and a pinch of salt over the mixture.
   • Toss to coat everything well and spread in a single layer.

4. Roast Ingredients

   1 min hands-on30 min waiting

   • Place the tray in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes.
   • Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking and texture.

5. Prepare Couscous Base

   4 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Heat water to boiling and add a pinch of salt.
   • Pour over dry couscous in a large bowl, cover, and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
   • Fluff couscous with a fork, dice tomatoes, and fold them in.
   • Add lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Make Tahini Sauce

   3 min hands-on

   • Whisk tahini, remaining paprika, and lime juice in a small bowl.
   • Grate in garlic and mix well.
   • Gradually add cold water until sauce is creamy and drizzle-able.

7. Assemble the Dish

   3 min hands-on

   • Remove tray from oven and add couscous and tomatoes.
   • Toss gently to combine flavors.
   • Transfer to a serving platter or bowl.

8. Garnish and Serve

   2 min hands-on

   • Drizzle tahini sauce generously over the dish.
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley, lime zest, and dill fronds.
   • Serve with extra lime wedges.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Ensure chickpeas are completely dry for optimal crispiness.
   • Lightly toast fennel seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to intensify flavors.
   • Start with less water when making tahini sauce and add gradually to avoid thinning.
   • For added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish before serving.