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Flavorful Israeli Couscous Recipe with Golden Raisins & Pine Nuts

Israeli couscous recipe - featured image

This Israeli couscous recipe is a delightful combination of nutty pine nuts, sweet golden raisins, and tender couscous pearls, perfect as a side dish or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Israeli couscous
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts: Heat a small dry saucepan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and stir frequently until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove immediately and set aside.
  2. SautΓ© the shallots and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Toast the couscous: Add the Israeli couscous to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil. Toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
  4. Add the broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the couscous simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Mix in the raisins: Once the couscous is cooked, stir in the golden raisins and let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Finish with pine nuts and parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the toasted pine nuts and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Toast the couscous before adding liquid for a nuttier flavor. Keep a close eye on the pine nuts while toasting to avoid burning. Add a splash of broth or olive oil if the couscous seems dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Israeli couscous, golden raisins, pine nuts, vegetarian, side dish, Mediterranean, easy recipe