Speedy Beans, Ep.2: Creamy Pearl Couscous with Crispy Chickpeas

a cozy, comforting recipe for chilly days

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting recipe that’s perfect for chilly days, and packed with nutrition, this one’s for you! Welcome to Speedy Beans, Episode 2.

This dish features pearl couscous, also known as "Israeli" or "giant" couscous. It’s a larger version of regular couscous, with a chewy, pasta-like texture that’s hearty and perfect for the cooler months.

Why You'll Love It
One of my favourite cooking techniques is roasting chickpeas until they’re crisp. Not only do they add a delicious, nutty flavour, but they also provide such a nice textural contrast. Plus, chickpeas are a great source of protein, fibre, and carbohydrates—perfect for keeping you full and energised.

I’ve topped this dish with crumbled feta and fresh basil, but you can easily customise it! Goat cheese works wonderfully as a substitute for feta, and basil can be swapped for parsley or fresh oregano for a different twist. Parsley adds a refreshing note, while oregano brings warmth and depth to the dish!

If you want to add more vegetables into the dish then sliced bell peppers would work really well if added at the start with the onions. For a touch of greens, stir in some spinach at the end, it’ll only take about 30 seconds to wilt into the dish.

Nutrition Highlights
Each portion has 501 calories and 23g of protein, making it satisfying on its own (that’s exactly how I enjoyed it last week!). If you’re looking for an extra protein boost, this dish pairs wonderfully with pan-fried chicken breast or even some crispy tofu cubes.

Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter—I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 💖💫