If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and full of vibrant flavors, look no further than this Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe. It brings together fluffy couscous soaked with rich tomato and savory onion notes, then transforms into a golden, crispy pancake that’s simply irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, flavorful interior—a perfect combination that makes this recipe an absolute favorite for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on everyday ingredients that come together to create a beautiful balance of tastes and textures. Each component plays a crucial role—from the olive oil’s richness to the fresh brightness of tomatoes and the aromatic sweetness of sautéed onions—making every element essential for that perfect Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe.
- 4 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth richness and helps achieve that crispy crust.
- 1 cup couscous: The base ingredient providing a tender, fluffy texture that holds the pancake together.
- 1 tsp vegetable stock powder (or chicken stock powder or salt): Enhances the overall savory flavor of the couscous.
- 3/4 cup boiling water: To quickly hydrate the couscous, making it soft and fluffy.
- 1 brown onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when gently sautéed.
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (about 1 1/4 cups): Contribute juiciness and a fresh, tangy touch that brightens up the dish.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor with a slightly sweet and tangy note.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances acidity and brings out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes.
- Handful coriander or parsley leaves (optional): Fresh herbs for a burst of herbal aroma and color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh black pepper: Provides a mild heat and aromatic spice to finish the dish.
How to Make Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
Begin by combining the couscous with the stock powder (or salt) and boiling water. Cover it tightly to trap the steam. After about 10 minutes, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. This step ensures your base is perfectly light and ready to absorb all the wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat half of your olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté gently for around 3 to 5 minutes. You want the onions translucent and tender but not browned—this helps release their natural sweetness while maintaining a delicate texture for the filling.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Sugar
Stir in the tomato paste and sugar, cooking them together with the onions for about a minute. This step deepens the flavor by caramelizing the paste slightly and balancing the tartness with a subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Cook the Tomatoes
Add the diced tomatoes, along with salt and black pepper to season. Let the mixture cook gently for 3 minutes. This softens the tomatoes just enough to meld their juices with the onion and tomato paste, creating the luscious filling that defines the pancake’s heart.
Step 5: Combine Couscous and Tomato Mixture
Transfer the tomato and onion mixture into the bowl with the fluffed couscous. Mix everything thoroughly so that every grain is coated with the juicy, flavorful ingredients. This ensures each bite bursts with savory goodness.
Step 6: Form and Fry the Pancake
Wipe out the pan without washing it, and heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the couscous mixture, pressing it firmly and evenly into the pan with the back of a spoon. The tighter you press, the better the pancake will hold together and crisp up beautifully as it cooks.
Step 7: Cook Covered
Cover the pan with a lid or an appropriately sized pot lid and let the pancake cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. This steaming technique finishes cooking the filling while creating a golden crust underneath that’s delightfully crispy.
Step 8: Flip and Serve
Take the pan off the heat. Carefully loosen the edges with a knife, then place a plate over the pan and invert it quickly to release the pancake, exposing its irresistibly crunchy side. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh coriander or parsley leaves adds a burst of color and herbal freshness that complements the rich tomato and onion flavors perfectly. For a little extra zing, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce pairs beautifully with this dish.
Side Dishes
Serve this pancake alongside a light salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness or pair it with roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian meal. It also works well with grilled chicken or fish if you want to add some protein to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the pancake into wedges and serving it as an appetizer or party snack. Another fun idea is to top it with grilled halloumi or a poached egg for brunch. Whatever way you choose, this Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe always makes a stunning impression.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover couscous pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it separate from any moist toppings to maintain the crispiness.
Freezing
This pancake freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pancake in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunchy texture—heating on the stovetop works wonders.
FAQs
Can I use instant couscous for this recipe?
Yes, instant couscous works perfectly since it hydrates quickly and creates the fluffy texture needed for the pancake.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use a few tablespoons of tomato sauce or pureed roasted red peppers to keep that rich flavor profile.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe is entirely plant-based, making it a great vegan-friendly option.
How thick should the pancake be?
About 1.5 to 2 centimeters thick is ideal. This thickness ensures the pancake cooks evenly and holds together well while developing a crispy crust.
Can I add spices to the mixture?
Definitely! Adding cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes can add a lovely depth and a subtle kick to customize this dish to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe is truly a wonderful combination of simplicity and flavor that has become one of my favorite easy meals to share with friends and family. It’s perfect for any occasion, brings a beautiful mix of textures, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this humble list of ingredients turns into something extraordinary and delicious.
Print
Crispy Couscous Pancake with Tomato & Onion Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and crispy couscous pancake cooked on the stovetop, infused with a savory tomato and onion mixture. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and features vibrant herbs and a perfect balance of savory and sweet tomato flavors.
Ingredients
Main 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, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Couscous: Combine the couscous, stock powder or salt, and boiling water in a bowl. Cover with cling wrap and let it sit aside for 10 minutes until the couscous absorbs the water. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 20cm-wide pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent and soft, about 3 to 5 minutes, making sure not to brown them.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sugar: Stir in the tomato paste and sugar, cooking together for 1 minute to combine and develop flavors.
- Cook Tomatoes and Season: Add the diced tomatoes, salt, and fresh black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Combine Mixture with Couscous: Transfer the tomato and onion mixture into the fluffed couscous and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors. Optionally, add chopped coriander or parsley leaves at this stage.
- Prepare Pan for Pancake: Wipe the pan clean but no need to wash it thoroughly, then heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Form and Cook Pancake: Add the couscous mixture to the pan and use the back of a spoon to press it firmly and evenly into the pan. The firmer it is packed, the better it will hold together when flipped.
- Cook Covered: Cover the pan with a lid or a suitable covering and cook for 10 minutes to allow the bottom to crisp and the pancake to set.
- Flip the Pancake: Remove the pan from heat. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then place a plate on top of the pan. Quickly invert the pan to flip the couscous pancake onto the plate with the crispy side up.
- Serve: Serve the pancake warm to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant tomato-onion flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock powder with chicken stock powder or just use salt according to your preference.
- Adding fresh coriander or parsley leaves adds a fresh herbal note but is optional.
- Pressing the couscous mixture firmly ensures it holds together better when flipped.
- Use a pan with a non-stick surface if possible to ease flipping and crisping.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; the pancake may lose crispiness if left to sit.
