Couscous and chickpeas form the base of this moroccan vegetarian and vegan pilaf or salad. A hearty variety of spices, including ginger, paprika and allspice, give this moroccan couscous recipe it's unique flavor, and the lovely textures and flavors of the other ingredients, including sweet potato, zucchini, chickpeas and bell peppers, pine nuts and raisins, balance out the simplicity of the couscous to create a dish that ends up being quite varied and exciting. Don't be intimidated by the long ingredients list of this couscous dish, as it really is simple to prepare, and many of the ingredients are just spices, some of which are quite common and you likely already have. Plus, the couscous itself takes just minutes to prepare. Feel free to omit one or two of the spices, if don't have them on hand, but the combination of all of them together is really what gives this couscous its unique moroccan-inspired flavor and fragrance. If you like moroccan flavors or couscous dishes, try this easy vegetarian and vegan couscous and chickpea pilaf. This recipe is both vegetarian and vegan, but couscous isn't gluten-free. If you need this recipe to be gluten-free, just swap out the couscous for a gluten-free substitute, such as quinoa or another gluten-free grain if you were looking for a gluten-free vegan version, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Enjoy
