Spiced Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 30 min.
Yield 4 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
This side dish is great for entertaining, as you can prepare the topping ahead of time, and the couscous takes only minutes. Try adding a cup of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans to boost the protein! —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-3/4 cups finely chopped sweet onions
  • 1-1/2 cups uncooked pearl (Israeli) couscous
  • 1-3/4 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/3 cup dried currants
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • Lemon wedges, optional

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Add couscous; cook and stir until couscous is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add water, salt, cinnamon, curry powder, cumin and coriander; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, 7-10 minutes. Stir in currants, cilantro, mint and lemon zest; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 414 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.

This side dish is great for entertaining, as you can prepare the topping ahead of time, and the couscous takes only minutes. Try adding a cup of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans to boost the protein! —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Recipe Creator

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