I always find it a fun challenge to come up with new ways to enjoy leftovers. These Couscous Veggie Patties are superb, easy to make and a perfect side or lunch and can be on the table in about 20 minutes, too. Sound good?
In today’s post I’m using up the leftover couscous from a recipe I recently posted, Almond Couscous with Pomegranate.
I am also using a spice blend that I’ve previously written a recipe for, Ras el Hanout. It’s a Moroccan spice blend that basically translates to “top of the shop”. If you were to go to a Moroccan spice merchant it would be his treasured spice to sell. It’s my favorite spice blend for tagine recipes and works beautifully in these Couscous Veggie Patties.
If you have not made the spice blend, can’t find it, or want a quick and easy substitute, you can use equal parts turmeric, coriander, ginger and a pinch of mint. While the original version contains many spices, mine has 15, it’s a killer one to have on hand for that “exotic” flavor.
These couscous patties are packed with good things. Diced red peppers, green onions and parsley are in the mix, but as you can see I have sliced almonds and a few pomegranate arils from the original recipe. Play with this and add what you like. Just be sure they can be formed into patties that hold together.
I use my ice cream scoop to make the patties and placed them in a hot skillet to get all crispy brown. Don’t over crowd it, we want these crisp and not steamed.
A gentle press from a spatula helps form the patty after the one side gets sautéed a bit.
These a light and healthy lunch or perfect with a nice meal as a side. With a squeeze of lemon on top the flavor are exploding. The crispy, browned edges of the couscous, crunch of the vegetables and spices are a perfect way to escape to Morocco for a moment. At least in my mind. Enjoy!
Couscous Veggie Patties
Ingredients
- 2 cups couscous cooked
- 2 eggs
- 2 green onions chopped fine
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ras el hanout
- 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
- In a bowl mix all of the ingredients up to the oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat add the olive oil and with a scoop form the couscous and place in the pan.
- Allow to sauté for 2-3 minutes and gently press down to form a patty with a spatula. Sauté until golden brown and flip carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from pan to drain on paper towel and season with kosher salt. Serve with slices of fresh lemon.
I haven’t had couscous in years, kinda went overboard. Would quinoa work just as well? I’m intrigued by this spice blend – might need to give that a try! Thanks for the fun, unique recipe.
Thanks for stoppng by Melissa. I hope you do give this a try, the Ras el Hanout is wonderful, but I’m sure any spice blend of preference would be good, too. Haven’t done it with quinoa myself, let me know if you do. 🙂
The only thing I would change is adding one more egg. They fell apart a bit but they were delicious! I added a chili paste to the top to give it a kick of heat. Or perhaps substituting the red pepper for a jalapeño! Great recipe!
So glad you tried the recipe, thanks Rebecca!
That looks delicious enough to do it even if you don’t have leftovers!
Exactly, so make a batch up tonight 😉
I love ras el hanout and keep it in my cupboard. I also love anything in patty form and can’t wait to have some leftovers. Then again maybe I’ll make cous cous just for this!
There you go, just make up a batch, you won’t be disappointed Abbe! Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend.
What a great idea! I have only ever had couscous as a side dish or in a salad but I’m defiantly going to try making these. ????
They are are tasty little nibbles and are filling too. Thanks Lucy! 🙂
LOVE this! Reminds me of how I used all my Thanksgiving/Holiday leftovers on my blog! ha ha! Pancakes kick butt 🙂
Thanks Gigi. I love to make waffles, pancakes and the like with all kinds of leftovers. Nice to see you here again. 🙂
Yep, those crispy brown edges are killing me! But I imagine that that spice mix is where it’s at! De-lish, my friend! De-lish!
They are the best, texture and taste wise, like the cheesy edges, right? Or better, on a beautiful slice of toasted sourdough! Not only are these super tasty, they are pretty darn good with the veggies tucked in there.
We love couscous, and we rarely have any leftovers. But I will double (at least!l) it’s amount just to be sure we have enough to make these patties. What a cool way to eat couscous! P.S. Have you tried adding some cheese like feta in it or that would be messy?
Double that batch Ben and you can even freeze them for a later date. Just thaw out and sauté! I haven’t had the feta addition, but it sounds wonderful, too 🙂
Look at those beautiful, golden crusts! Nice one, Kevin. Yoghurt is a perfect match with those spices. I occasionally turn leftover risotto into patties, but never thought to do it with couscous. Yum!
Thanks John and yes, I whipped up some Greek yogurt with a little lemon zest for myself. Dave just had the squeeze of lemon. Hit the spot in contrast to the crispy outside.
As you predicted, these ARE right up my alley…love those crispy edges!
I thought they might be Marissa. Next time you make some couscous save some to make these the next day or two. 🙂
I love recipes that use up the last bis and pieces – they always taste awesome.
These patties look incredible and such a clever way to work in some veggies!
#WolfpackLeftovers
Thanks Mike. The crispy pan fried outside is so good with the lemon and they are quite filling, too.
Hey Kevin! You are really getting me into Moroccan cuisine! These sound delicious and I will definitely be experimenting soon! Sometimes we get into a rut -for me that’s especially true in the winter when fresh ingredients are not available. Time to switch it up! 🙂
I will get you on the Moroccan culinary train yet Dorothy!
Oooh, these are gorgeous! I love that you added fresh veggies and herbs, great way to pack in even more flavor. I bet these would be lovely with a fried egg on top!
Thanks Faith. A nice gooey egg yolk over the top sounds wonderful, too!
Forget serving these as a side, Kevin.. hand me a dozen of these and watch me call this dinner! These patties look beyond delicious and such a genius way to use up leftovers! I am dying over how amazing these look – and so jam packed with flavor! GIMME all the couscous patties! Cheers, buddy!
They’re great with some Greek yogurt and lemon zest, too. Plus, with the crispy, crunchy edges and all the veggies I could do without meat every once in a while, too. 🙂
These sound wonderful, and I’m definitely looking for tasty vegetarian recipes to keep me from getting bored for a while. I love what you’ve added for such great flavor.
Thanks Cathy, we need variety and flavor right? If not I do get bored which really was one of the reasons I choose to share these recipes. I’ll be sure to keep more coming. 🙂
I would make couscous just to make these patties! They look delicious Kevin! I love that crispy surface too, and all those veggies! YUM 🙂 Pinning and sharing!
Ha! I actually have Dini 🙂 Thanks for sharing and have a great day.
What a fun twist on leftovers, Kevin! You know us…I’d probably have shoved that couscous in a taco. Haha! But these patties look insanely awesome, and I could totally get on board with these for a quick leftover meal. #WolfpackLeftoverCreations
Thanks Dave, those couscous tacos could be a thing! These hit the spot with just some lemon, but I’ve made them with a nice dollop of Greek yogurt and lemon zest, too.