Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this plant-based recipe combines Moroccan flavors with pantry staples to create a dish that's as nourishing as it's delicious. Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this is a must-try!

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🌿 Why You'll Love This Vegan Couscous Bowl

• Plant-Based & Dairy-Free: 100% vegan with no compromise on creaminess or flavor.

• High-Protein & Nutrient-Dense: Thanks to cashews, nutritional yeast, and plenty of fresh veggies.

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and ready in under 40 minutes.

• Incredibly Versatile: Great as a warm dinner bowl or chilled lunch the next day.

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🔥 Let's Talk About That Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the dish—silky, smoky, spicy, and loaded with umami. Blended from soaked cashews (or almonds or sunflower seeds), roasted red pepper, garlic, shallot, and a punchy blend of pantry staples like tomato paste, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast, and a hit of paprika, it brings serious flavor to the party.

Want it spicy? Add a whole fresh chili (with seeds!) or even a pinch of cayenne to take it over the top.

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🛒 Ingredients for the Spicy Couscous Bowl

🔹 For the Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium shallot, chopped

• 1 small hot chili (or more, for heat lovers!), chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 tsp Watkins Organic Paprika (plus extra for garnish)

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 cup raw cashews (or mix with sliced almonds/sunflower seeds), soaked for 2+ hours and drained

• 1 roasted red pepper (jarred or homemade)

• 3–5 tbsp water, as needed

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp white wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp coconut aminos or tamari

• Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt & Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper, to taste

🔹 For the Couscous Bowl:

• 1 cup couscous

• 1¼ cups boiling water or veggie broth

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 zucchini, chopped

• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped

• ½ red onion, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 cup spinach

• Fresh herbs: parsley, mint, or cilantro for garnish

• Optional: chili flakes or harissa for extra heat

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🧑‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Red Pepper Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the shallot, garlic, and chili until fragrant and soft (about 4–5 minutes).

2. Stir in the paprika and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

3. Transfer the remaining sauce ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed until the sauce is silky yet thick. Season to taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Couscous

1. Add couscous to a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water or veggie broth over it.

2. Cover and let steam for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Roast or Sauté the Veggies

1. Toss the chopped vegetables (except the spinach) with olive oil, salt, and paprika. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for ~25 minutes until golden and tender.

2. Wilt spinach in a pan or microwave just before serving.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In each bowl, spoon in the couscous, layer the veggies, drizzle with the creamy, spicy red pepper sauce, and top with herbs, extra paprika, and chili flakes, if desired.

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🌱 Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Couscous Bowl

• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute quinoa or millet for couscous.

• Add Protein: Chickpeas, crispy tofu, or lentils are excellent add-ins.

• Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili and Watkins Organic paprika—or add a dollop of harissa paste for a North African twist.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for a cozy dinner, or chill it for a next-day lunch.

• Pair with flatbread or pita for dipping into that dreamy sauce.

• Excellent for picnics, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

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🧡 Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and nutritious meals, this Spicy Vegan Couscous Bowl is calling your name. It's hearty without being heavy, packed with veggies, and makes your weeknight dinner feel like a gourmet affair.

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📋 Printable Recipe Card

Spicy Moroccan-Inspired Couscous Bowl

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Servings: 3–4

Ingredients: (see complete list above)

Instructions:

1. Sauté aromatics + paprika.

2. Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth.

3. Roast/sauté veggies until tender.

4. Steam couscous, fluff.

5. Assemble bowls: couscous, vegetables, sauce, and herbs. Enjoy!