If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, actually satisfying weeknight dinner, this one’s for you. My Creamy Turmeric Chickpeas & Couscous has quickly become a staple in my kitchen—mostly because it checks all my boxes:

• One pan
• Dairy-free but creamy as heck
• Nourishing and cozy
• Ready in under 30 minutes

It works amazing as a side dish to basically any protein you have on hand, or can be eaten on it’s own if you just want some comforting carbohydrates!

This is one of those throw-everything-in-the-pan-and-feel-really-fancy meals. The couscous cooks right in the same pan as the aromatics, broth, and creamy coconut milk, so it soaks up all that flavor. The turmeric adds a warm golden hue (and some wellness bonus points), and the chickpeas bring some fiber and protein. Oh, and we sneak in some greens too of course!!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 shallot, diced
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked pearled couscous
• 1½ cups low sodium broth
• 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
• 1 jar (or can) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup packed baby spinach, chopped
• ⅓ cup diced green onion
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt & pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Start with the aromatics
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then sauté the shallot and garlic for about 2 minutes—just until everything smells amazing.
2. Toast the couscous
   Stir in the pearled couscous and let it toast in the pan for a minute to get a little nutty flavor going.
3. Add broth and simmer
   Pour in the broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 5–7 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed. (If the couscous sticks at all, don’t stress—just add a splash more broth.)
4. Make it creamy and golden
   Stir in the coconut milk, chickpeas, chopped spinach, green onions, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper. Let everything simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if you want it a little saucier—totally your call.
5. Serve and enjoy
   Scoop it into a bowl, top with more green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in. Cozy, creamy, nourishing magic.

Optional Add-Ons:

• A squeeze of lemon for brightness
• Chili flakes for a kick
• Toasted nuts or seeds for crunch
• Grilled chicken, seared salmon, baked tofu, or sautéed shrimp for protein

This dish makes great leftovers too, so go ahead and double it if you’re meal prepping. Hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know how yours turns out!

Print