Hey friend! If you’re craving a cozy bowl of something warm, nourishing, and packed with fresh veggies, this Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup is just what you need. Picture tender, chewy pearl couscous swimming in a flavorful, comforting broth loaded with colorful vegetables. It’s the kind of soup that wraps you up like a warm hug on a chilly day — trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Whether you want a light lunch, a starter for dinner, or a simple meal to warm your soul, this soup hits the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup
Hearty & Healthy: Pearl couscous adds a fun, chewy texture while veggies boost the vitamins and fiber.
Comfort in a Bowl: The savory broth is soothing, filling, and perfectly balanced.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and ready in under 40 minutes.
Flexible: Swap in your favorite veggies or whatever’s in season.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors with a subtle earthiness that both kids and adults enjoy.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

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Ingredients in Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup
Pearl Couscous
Tiny, round pasta pearls that cook up tender and add lovely bite to the soup.
Mixed Vegetables
Think carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers—fresh and chopped for a vibrant medley.
Onion and Garlic
A flavor base that adds warmth and depth to the broth.
Vegetable Broth
Rich, savory, and wholesome—this is the soul of the soup.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh parsley, thyme, and a pinch of black pepper to brighten and season.
Olive Oil
For sautéing veggies and bringing everything together.
Instructions
Prep Your Veggies
Chop onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Add Vegetables
Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in Broth and Bring to Simmer
Add vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Pearl Couscous
Stir in the pearl couscous and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season and Finish
Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer another minute or two for flavors to meld.
Serve Warm
Ladle into bowls and enjoy a cozy, nourishing meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crunchy side to dunk in the broth.
- Topped with Parmesan: A sprinkle of cheese adds a rich, savory touch.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Light Salad: A simple green salad balances the warm, hearty soup.
Additional Tips
- Swap Vegetables: Use what you have on hand—green beans, peas, or spinach work beautifully.
- Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip cheese toppings.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked beans or shredded chicken for extra heartiness.
- Batch Cook: This soup freezes well—make a big batch and save for busy days.
- Adjust Consistency: Add more broth for a lighter soup or less for a stew-like thickness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular pasta instead of pearl couscous?
A1: Yes, but cooking times and texture will vary. Choose small shapes like orzo for best results.
Q2: How long does this soup keep?
A2: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze leftover soup?
A3: Absolutely! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q4: Can I add canned tomatoes?
A4: Yes! A can of diced tomatoes adds nice acidity and extra flavor.
Q5: Is this soup gluten-free?
A5: Pearl couscous contains gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free small pasta or quinoa.
Q6: How can I make this soup spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Q7: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
A7: Yes, it tastes even better the next day when flavors have melded.
Q8: Should I rinse the pearl couscous before cooking?
A8: No need to rinse; cooking it directly in the broth helps it absorb flavor.
Q9: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A9: Yes, just add them a bit later in the cooking process so they don’t overcook.
Q10: What cookware works best for this recipe?
A10: A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven ensures even cooking and easy stirring.
Conclusion
This Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup is a simple, satisfying, and nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out. With wholesome veggies and tender couscous pearls in every spoonful, it’s perfect for any day you need comfort and flavor without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe rotation!
Print
Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Pearl Couscous Vegetable Soup packed with tender vegetables and chewy couscous, perfect for a hearty, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and zucchini; cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in pearl couscous, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and oregano.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, until couscous is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken.
- Use gluten-free couscous alternatives if needed.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg