Seven-Vegetable Beef Couscous
Moroccan seven-vegetable couscous is the beloved Friday meal of North Africa: steamed semolina grains soaked in an aromatic broth of pumpkin, carrot, turnip, courgette, cabbage, chickpeas and meat. It has a medium glycemic index (clinically reviewed estimate ≈58) and embodies the richness of Mediterranean farming.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
Fill half your plate with the vegetables, meat and chickpeas and keep the couscous to half a cup, with hot broth poured over, to lower the total glycemic load.
Best preparation methods
Choose couscous made from whole durum wheat (blé complet) or barley couscous (belboula) for more fibre and a much lower glycemic index.
Important Nutritional Note
The seven vegetables provide an unmatched range of antioxidants and soluble fibre; for people with diabetes, the only thing to control is the amount of semolina.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (350 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 129 kcal | 451.5 kcal |
| Protein | 6.9 g | 24.2 g |
| Carbohydrate | 16.6 g | 58.1 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 14.4 g | 50.4 g |
| Fat | 3.4 g | 11.9 g |
| Dietary fibre | 2.2 g | 7.7 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Moroccan dishes with a glycemic index (5), it ranks 5 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is seven-vegetable couscous suitable for people with diabetes?
Yes, if there are more vegetables and meat than couscous: its glycemic index is medium (≈58) and the vegetable fibre brakes the rise in sugar.
How many calories are in a complete portion of couscous with vegetables and meat (350 g)?
The portion contains about 450 kcal, 24 g of protein, 12 g of fat and around 58 g of carbohydrate rich in fibre and minerals.
What is special about barley couscous (belboula)?
Barley couscous is a remarkable therapeutic choice: rich in beta-glucan fibre that lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, with a much lower glycemic index than wheat semolina.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.