Time so as to add a bit of pizzazz to your grain recreation! This fast and simple Moroccan Couscous is a refreshing change of tempo to the usual facet.

Couscous is a wholesome, versatile facet you could serve with something from roasted greens to hen to lamb.

This recipe cooks in 15 minutes, and a couple of easy touches like refined spices, golden raisins, and pine nuts make it style particular sufficient to serve at a vacation meal.

What’s Moroccan Couscous Anyway?

First, let’s begin with couscous.

Whereas it resembles a tiny grain of rice or quinoa, couscous is a pasta. It’s created from semolina (semolina is a flour created from durum wheat and is utilized in most conventional pastas) and water.

As a result of it’s so small, couscous cooks in a matter of minutes, making it a superb alternative for a last-minute facet. Because it cooks on the stovetop, it retains your oven free for different endeavors.

Couscous is a staple dish in lots of North African nations together with Morocco, a rustic I dream of visiting at some point.

One in every of my most vivid post-college reminiscences is of a pal cooking a Moroccan themed dinner for an enormous group. She piled spiced couscous excessive on a big platter, topped with hen and greens, and we ate it on the ground, scooping our servings from the communal plate (these had been the times!).

That meal made fairly the impression. I’ve been smitten with Moroccan meals and taste since.

Methods to Make Moroccan Couscous

Thankfully, we don’t want to go to Morocco to get pleasure from a serving of couscous. This recipe takes inspiration from Moroccan delicacies and substances however is delicate sufficient to serve with all kinds of mains.

The Elements

• Couscous. Fast-cooking, tasty, and (I can’t assist myself right here) tremendous cute! I wish to buy complete wheat couscous, as a result of like different complete grain choices, it’s increased in protein and fiber than its white counterparts. Should you can’t discover it, common couscous works properly on this recipe too.
• Shallot. Beginning the recipe by sautéing a shallot provides all the dish a extra strong, full taste.
• Golden Raisins. A preferred ingredient in Moroccan cooking, raisins (I like golden raisins right here) give the couscous bits of sweetness and make it extra texturally fascinating.
• Pine Nuts. One other traditional ingredient in Moroccan delicacies, pine nuts add pops of nutty depth and crunch. You solely want a small quantity, however I do know pine nuts are dear. Be happy to swap them for an additional nut like pistachios or almonds. You’ll want to toast your nuts first for max taste and a superior texture.
• Lemon, Garlic, and Parsley. Three conventional Moroccan substances, they provide the couscous freshness and life.
• Cumin. Moroccan delicacies is particularly renown for its spices. This recipe retains the spices pretty delicate in order that the couscous pairs properly with quite a lot of dishes. A contact of cumin is all you want.

The Instructions

1. Toast the pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet within the oven at 350 levels F till golden. Watch them fastidiously, as they burn simply. Switch the toasted nuts to a bowl.

2. Sauté the shallots within the butter, then add the spices and broth. Carry the combination to a boil. Take away the skillet from the warmth, and add the couscous. Cowl and let it sit.

3. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in mix-ins. ENJOY!

What to Serve with Moroccan Couscous

This couscous is an all-around facet that goes properly with any of your favourite proteins, together with meat, seafood, and vegetarian choices.

Make-Forward and Storage Ideas

Couscous additionally saves and reheats properly, making it a incredible make-ahead possibility for a celebration. Not a planner? It takes all of 15 minutes to cook dinner, so it can save you it for the final minute too if that’s extra your model.

• To Make Forward. As much as 2 days forward of time, put together the couscous as directed, cowl, and refrigerate it. Serve it heat or at room temperature.
• To Retailer. Place leftover couscous in an hermetic storage container within the fridge for as much as Three days.
• To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a big skillet on the range over medium-low warmth. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You may as well reheat this dish within the microwave.
• To Freeze. Let the couscous cool utterly, then retailer it in an hermetic freezer-safe storage container within the freezer for as much as Three months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

Really helpful Instruments to Make This Recipe

• Baking Sheets. These are perfect for toasting the nuts.
• Versatile Saucepan. This one is a really helpful dimension for cooking grains and with correct care can final a lifetime.
• Citrus Juicer. The BEST method to juice any citrus fruit. You’ll be amazed how a lot juice it may well squeeze from each lemon.

For a recipe that may shock and delight, all with little or no effort in your half, this Moroccan couscous doesn’t disappoint. Should you strive it, please depart a remark and let me know what you assume!