Roasted Vegetable Soup with Israeli Couscous and Feta

This roasted vegetable soup is a warming and filling dish that’s full of Mediterranean flavors. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy feta and hearty Israeli couscous. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or need something filling for lunch, this soup is an excellent choice!

The combination of roasted vegetables, couscous, and feta makes this soup incredibly satisfying and delicious, while still being light and healthy. You can easily customize it to suit your taste—add extra veggies, or substitute the feta for a dairy-free cheese if needed. It’s the perfect comfort food that nourishes both your body and soul.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 medium eggplant, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 cup Israeli couscous

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly browned, tossing halfway through.

4. Meanwhile, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

5. Add the roasted vegetables, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Stir in the Israeli couscous and cook for another 8-10 minutes until tender.

7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve the soup in bowls, topped with crumbled feta and fresh basil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

When the weather turns colder or you’re craving something wholesome and comforting, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup. This Roasted Vegetable Soup with Israeli Couscous and Feta is the perfect balance of healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Featuring a variety of roasted vegetables, tender Israeli couscous, and crumbled feta cheese, this recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together rich textures and tastes for a truly delicious experience.

This recipe is not only easy to prepare but is also incredibly nutritious. By roasting the vegetables, you allow their natural sweetness to shine through, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to match. The Israeli couscous adds a lovely chewy texture to the soup, and the feta brings a tangy creaminess that elevates the dish even more. This soup is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, filling meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.

The Mediterranean Magic Behind the Recipe

The Mediterranean diet has long been regarded as one of the healthiest ways of eating, focusing on whole foods, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This soup takes inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, combining nutrient-dense vegetables with the wholesome goodness of couscous and the richness of feta. These ingredients provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are essential for overall health.

Roasting the vegetables is a technique often used in Mediterranean cooking to concentrate their flavors. Carrots, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers are tossed in olive oil, seasoned with herbs, and then roasted at a high temperature. This not only brings out their natural sweetness but also caramelizes the edges, creating a rich, savory undertone in the soup. It’s a simple yet effective way to build layers of flavor in the dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Roasted Vegetables

The vegetables used in this soup are not only tasty but packed with health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients:

1. Zucchini – High in water content and low in calories, zucchini is an excellent source of vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants. It’s great for promoting skin health and boosting your immune system.
2. Eggplant – Rich in fiber and antioxidants, eggplant is known for its potential to improve heart health and support weight loss. The anthocyanins found in eggplant may also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Carrots – Carrots are well-known for their beta-carotene content, which the body converts to vitamin A. This helps maintain good vision, a healthy immune system, and skin health.
4. Bell Peppers – Bell peppers, especially the colorful ones, are full of vitamin C, making them a great choice for boosting your immune system. They also contain a range of antioxidants that support overall health.

Why Israeli Couscous is the Perfect Addition

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is larger and chewier than traditional couscous, and it makes an excellent addition to soups. Unlike the smaller, more delicate grains of regular couscous, Israeli couscous absorbs the flavors of the broth and vegetables, adding heartiness and texture to the dish. It’s perfect for creating a filling, satisfying meal that keeps you full for longer.

Additionally, couscous is a good source of carbohydrates and provides a small amount of protein. As a whole-grain food, it also offers dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health. Its mild flavor makes it versatile, pairing well with a variety of ingredients like the roasted vegetables and feta in this recipe.

Feta: A Creamy, Tangy Finish

Feta cheese, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, adds the perfect finishing touch to this soup. Its tangy, creamy flavor enhances the soup without overpowering the other ingredients. In addition to its distinctive taste, feta is rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats. It also provides probiotics, which are beneficial for digestive health. Using crumbled feta on top of this roasted vegetable soup gives it a creamy texture and a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds satisfied.

Health Benefits of the Dish

This soup is not only incredibly flavorful but also offers numerous health benefits, making it the perfect addition to a balanced diet. Here’s why this recipe stands out as a healthy option:

• Rich in Vegetables – The variety of vegetables used in this soup offers a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The combination of roasted veggies in the soup provides antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and promote overall health.
• High in Fiber – Both the vegetables and the Israeli couscous contribute fiber to the dish. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to weight management by promoting feelings of fullness.
• Protein-Packed – With the addition of feta cheese and couscous, this soup contains a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.
• Heart-Healthy Ingredients – The olive oil used for roasting the vegetables is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels.

Why This Roasted Vegetable Soup with Israeli Couscous and Feta is the Best Choice

1. Versatile and Customizable – This soup can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences and needs. You can swap out the feta cheese for a vegan alternative if you’re following a plant-based diet. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute the couscous with quinoa or rice for a similar texture. The recipe is flexible and allows for substitutions based on what you have on hand.
2. Meal Prep Friendly – This soup is an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze it for longer storage. The flavors develop even more after a day or two, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
3. Easy to Make – Despite the depth of flavor, this recipe is simple to prepare. The majority of the work involves chopping the vegetables and letting them roast. Once they’re ready, it’s just a matter of adding them to the soup pot and simmering for a few minutes. It’s an easy, no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require any special skills.
4. Comforting and Hearty – There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with healthy ingredients. The chewy couscous, tender roasted veggies, and creamy feta create a satisfying meal that will nourish your body and soul.

Conclusion

This Roasted Vegetable Soup with Israeli Couscous and Feta is the ultimate winter comfort food. With its combination of roasted vegetables, hearty couscous, and tangy feta cheese, it offers the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and texture. It’s easy to make, customizable to your dietary preferences, and packed with health benefits that will keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Whether you’re looking to feed your family, prep meals for the week, or enjoy a cozy meal on a chilly day, this soup is the perfect choice. Try it today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite!