Dried Jujube, Roast Pumpkin & Chickpea Couscous

Dried jujubes bring a gentle natural sweetness to this colourful couscous dish, paired with roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a light lemon dressing. It's a simple, satisfying recipe that shows how dried jujubes can be enjoyed in savoury meals, not just teas and desserts.

Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or easy make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

For the Couscous

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 cup boiling vegetable stock or water

• 1½ cups pumpkin, peeled and diced

• ½ cup dried Royal Jujubes, pitted and sliced

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or pistachios, roughly chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

For the Lemon Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon honey

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin, optional

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Place the diced pumpkin on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and lightly golden.
4. Meanwhile, remove the seeds from the dried jujubes and slice them into smaller pieces. Soak in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften, then drain.
5. Place the couscous in a heatproof bowl and pour over the boiling vegetable stock or water.
6. Cover and leave for 5 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff gently with a fork.
7. Add the roasted pumpkin, chickpeas, sliced dried jujubes, and chopped parsley to the couscous.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper.
9. Pour the dressing over the couscous mixture and toss gently to combine.
10. Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pistachios and serve warm or at room temperature.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Dried jujubes add a naturally sweet, chewy contrast to the soft roasted pumpkin, fluffy couscous, and hearty chickpeas. The lemon dressing brings freshness, while herbs and toasted nuts add flavour and texture.

This recipe is a lovely way to explore dried Royal Jujubes beyond traditional sweet dishes. It's easy to prepare, colourful, and versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a light meal on its own.