Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato and Onion Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion is a delightful twist on traditional pancakes, offering a flavorful, textured dish that’s perfect for any meal. Light, savory, and crispy, it combines fluffy couscous with a rich tomato and onion topping for a satisfying bite.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 tsp vegetable stock powder (or chicken stock powder, or just salt)
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1 brown onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• Handful coriander or parsley leaves (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Fresh black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine couscous, stock powder (or salt), and boiling water in a bowl. Cover with cling wrap and set aside for 10 minutes, then fluff the couscous with a fork.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 20cm-wide pan over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes, avoiding browning.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and sugar, cooking for 1 minute to combine flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper, then cook the mixture for 3 minutes to soften the tomatoes.
6. Step 6: Mix the tomato and onion mixture into the fluffed couscous until well combined.
7. Step 7: Wipe the pan clean (no need for thorough washing) and heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
8. Step 8: Add the couscous mixture to the pan, pressing it firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon. The firmer the press, the better the pancake will hold together.
9. Step 9: Cover the pan (a lid or even the lid of a larger pot works) and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat, loosen the edges of the pancake gently with a knife, place a plate over the pan, and quickly invert the pancake onto the plate so the crispy side is on top.
11. Step 11: Serve warm while the pancake is still nicely crispy. Optionally, garnish with coriander or parsley leaves.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock powder; for more depth, chicken stock powder works well too.
• If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned diced tomatoes can be used but drain excess liquid before adding.
• Pressing the couscous mixture firmly into the pan is key to achieving a crispy exterior and holding the shape.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or coriander into the mixture for added freshness.
• Serve with a dollop of yogurt or your favorite sauce for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover couscous pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a non-stick pan over low heat to restore crispiness, or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Couscous is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free. You can try substituting with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or millet, but the texture and cooking times will differ.

What side dishes pair well with this couscous pancake?

This pancake pairs nicely with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.

Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato and Onion Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

This Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion is a delightful, savory dish combining fluffy couscous with a flavorful tomato and onion mixture. The pancake is pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp, offering a satisfying texture contrast and fresh taste. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is simple yet impressive, featuring wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Couscous

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 tsp vegetable stock powder (or chicken stock powder, or just salt)
• 3/4 cup boiling water
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Tomato & Onion Mixture

• 1 brown onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fresh black pepper, to taste
• Handful of coriander or parsley leaves (optional)

For Cooking

• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided

Instructions

1. Prepare the couscous: Combine couscous, stock powder (or salt), and boiling water in a bowl. Cover with cling wrap and set aside for 10 minutes to soak. Once absorbed, fluff couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Sauté the onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 20cm wide pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Add tomato paste and sugar: Stir in the tomato paste and sugar and cook for 1 minute to combine flavors.
4. Cook the tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes until the mixture softens and the flavors meld.
5. Combine tomato mixture with couscous: Mix the tomato and onion mixture into the fluffed couscous thoroughly. Optionally stir in chopped coriander or parsley leaves for added freshness.
6. Prepare the pan for frying: Wipe the pan clean gently (no need for thorough washing). Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
7. Form and cook the pancake: Add the couscous mixture to the pan. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to help it hold together tightly.
8. Cook covered: Cover the pan (even a lid from a larger pot works) and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing the pancake to crisp on the bottom.
9. Flip the pancake: Remove from heat, gently loosen the edges with a knife, then place a plate on top of the pan. Quickly invert the pancake onto the plate with the crispy side up.
10. Serve: Serve the crispy couscous pancake warm to enjoy the contrast of textures and the fresh, savory flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute vegetable stock powder with chicken stock powder or simply use salt, depending on your preference.
• Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the tomato mixture.
• Press the couscous mixture firmly before cooking to ensure the pancake holds together well.
• Optional herbs like coriander or parsley add a fresh aromatic note if desired.

Keywords: Couscous, Pancake, Tomato, Onion, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, Savory Pancake, Easy Recipe