Fertility Fit: Roasted Carrot and Couscous Salad Recipe

So I have a newfound love of carrots. It began a couple of years ago with a TikTok viral carrots recipe that reframed my carrot view. I always found them too hard - ie fresh baby carrots. I like the ones that are cut like ruffles to eat fresh with some hummus or dressing. But now, I roast a bag of carrots at the beginning of each week to throw in bowls, snack on, or as a side. I was excited to try this recipe because I LOVE peal couscous and carrots, so it was a win-win. This recipe is bursting with flavors and textures, this dish is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, with its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Let's dive into the recipe and explore how to create this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

5 large carrots (about 10½ oz), peeled and large chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt, to taste
2 cup of pearl couscous
1 tablespoon of honey
1 ounce of apple cider vinegar
¼ cup dates, sliced long and thin
1 /2 bunch of of chopped parsley
1 teaspoon of chili flakes
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 lemon, juiced
2 cups ounces of plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
Goat cheese to top with if you want!

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F to ensure it's ready for roasting the carrots to perfection.

2. Roast the Carrots:

Place the chopped carrots on a roasting tray and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt according to your preference. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Cook the Giant Couscous:

While the carrots are roasting, cook the giant couscous in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

4. Prepare the Glaze:

In a small bowl, combine the honey, white wine vinegar, and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a flavorful glaze.

5. Glaze the Carrots:

After 30 minutes of roasting, remove the carrots from the oven. Pour the prepared glaze over the roasted carrots, ensuring they are evenly coated. Return the tray to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes.

6. Prepare the Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn dates, chopped parsley, chili flakes, ground cumin, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt.

7. Assemble the Salad:

Once the carrots are done, transfer them to the bowl with the salad base. Add a splash of the glaze from the roasting pan and toss everything together until well combined.

8. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

In a separate bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, salt, and ground coriander until smooth and creamy.

9. Plate and Serve:

Spread the seasoned Greek yogurt mixture onto a large serving plate. Spoon the roasted carrot and couscous mixture over the yogurt. Finish with a final drizzle of olive oil for added richness and flavor.

Carrots:

Fertility Benefits: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for reproductive health. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in regulating hormone levels and promoting healthy ovulation in women. Additionally, carrots contain antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage.

Gut Health Benefits: Carrots are a good source of dietary fiber, including both soluble and insoluble fibers. These fibers promote regular bowel movements, support digestive health, and nourish beneficial gut bacteria. The fiber content in carrots also helps maintain a healthy balance of gut microflora, which is essential for overall gut health.

Honey:

Gut Health Benefits: Honey contains small amounts of prebiotics, such as oligosaccharides, which can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Additionally, honey exhibits antimicrobial properties that may help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, contributing to a healthier gut microbiome.

Dates:

Gut Health Benefits: Dates are high in dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, which promotes digestive regularity and helps prevent constipation. The fiber in dates also serves as a prebiotic, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

Parsley:

Fertility Benefits: Parsley is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as folate, which are important nutrients for reproductive health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage, while folate supports healthy cell division and DNA synthesis.

Gut Health Benefits: Parsley contains a compound called apigenin, which has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. While more research is needed, including parsley in your diet may help support overall gut health and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

Chili Flakes:

Fertility Benefits: Chili flakes contain capsaicin, a compound that gives them their spicy flavor and has been studied for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While direct evidence linking chili flakes to fertility is limited, their potential to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress may indirectly support reproductive health.

Gut Health Benefits: Capsaicin has been shown to stimulate the production of gastric juices and promote digestive health. While spicy foods like chili flakes may not be suitable for everyone, moderate consumption may help improve digestion and promote gastrointestinal comfort in some individuals.

Cumin:

Fertility Benefits: Cumin is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. While direct evidence linking cumin to fertility is limited, its antioxidant properties may support overall health and well-being, which is important for reproductive health.

Gut Health Benefits: Cumin has been traditionally used in culinary practices and herbal medicine to aid digestion and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. It contains compounds that may help stimulate digestive enzymes and promote the breakdown of food, supporting healthy digestion and gut function.

Lemon:

Fertility Benefits: Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in reproductive health. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting reproductive cells from oxidative damage and supporting the production of collagen, which is important for the structure and function of reproductive organs.

Gut Health Benefits: Lemons contain citric acid, which can help promote digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid and aiding in the breakdown of food. Additionally, lemon juice may have mild antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Coriander:

Fertility Benefits: Coriander is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C, which help protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage. While direct evidence linking coriander to fertility is limited, its antioxidant properties may support overall reproductive health and well-being.

Gut Health Benefits: Coriander contains compounds that have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. Including coriander in your diet may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote overall gut health.

Greek Yogurt:

Fertility Benefits: Greek yogurt is a rich source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are important nutrients for reproductive health. Protein is essential for the production of reproductive hormones, while calcium supports bone health and muscle function. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is important for overall health and fertility.

Gut Health Benefits: Greek yogurt contains probiotics, including strains of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which support digestive health and promote a healthy gut microbiome. Including Greek yogurt in your diet can help replenish beneficial gut bacteria and support overall gut health.

Olive Oil:

Fertility Benefits: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, including vitamin E and polyphenols, which have been associated with improved fertility outcomes. The healthy fats in olive oil support hormone production and reproductive function, while antioxidants help protect reproductive cells from oxidative damage.

Gut Health Benefits: Olive oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the gut.

This sensational Roasted Carrot and Couscous Salad recipe is delish. It would also be great as a side or with a chimichurri sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that's as satisfying to make as it is to savor. Cheers to good food and great company!