Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this delectable Couscous Pilaf recipe, a harmonious blend of nutty couscous, aromatic spices, and a symphony of tantalizing ingredients. This versatile dish, hailing from the kitchens of Morocco, can be easily transformed into a vegetarian delight or a hearty non-vegetarian feast.
For vegetarians, a medley of colorful vegetables, such as crisp carrots, tender bell peppers, and vibrant green peas, come together in a symphony of flavors. The addition of toasted almonds, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries infuses each bite with a textural contrast and a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory profile of the dish.
For meat lovers, succulent pieces of chicken or lamb are lovingly marinated in a blend of fragrant spices, then gently braised until fall-off-the-bone tender. The tender meat is then nestled amidst the fluffy couscous pilaf, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you opt for the vegetarian or non-vegetarian version, this Couscous Pilaf is a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant souks of Marrakech.
COUSCOUS PILAF WITH ALMONDS, COCONUT, AND CRANBERRIES
Wake up your couscous pilaf with a delicious blend of almonds, coconut, and dried cranberries.
Provided by Tawanda.Y
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf
Time 24m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease with cooking spray. Add almonds; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add coconut; cook and stir until almonds and coconut are fully toasted, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cranberries; cook until cranberries are heated through, about 1 minute more.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a pot. Remove from heat and add couscous. Stir, cover, and let sit until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the almonds, coconut, and cranberries; stir to blend.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 271.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.7 g, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 118.8 mg, Sugar 9.1 g
ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ALMONDS & DRIED CRANBERRIES
What a delightful side dish. Browning the couscous and cooking in the chicken broth gives it a toasted buttery flavor. The dried cranberries are sweet and a nice little punch of tartness. Slivered almonds add a fantastic crunch. A light, but hearty side dish that will be delicious on your table. It would be lovely served with...
Provided by Jessica Silva
Categories Other Side Dishes
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- 1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- 2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
- 4. Add the parsley, dried cranberries, and almonds.
- 5. Stir to combine and heat the cranberries and almonds.
EASY COUSCOUS PILAF
Carrot, celery, and onion infuse this couscous with loads of flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrot, celery stalk, and onion, all finely chopped; season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in couscous into vegetable mixture in pan. Remove from heat; cover, and let steam 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227 g, Fat 3 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 6 g
CRANBERRY AND ALMOND RICE PILAF
I've been making this dish for years - it's different from typical rice pilaf dishes in that the cranberries add the sweetness and the tartness that you don't expect in a savory dish. Oh, and it's super hard to fumble.
Provided by BOGINIA2
Categories Side Dish Rice Side Dish Recipes Pilaf
Time 45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in hot oil until tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir cranberries and jasmine rice into onion until rice is coated with oil and rice is lightly toasted, about 5 minutes more.
- Pour chicken broth into skillet and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Bring rice mixture to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 22 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat; stir green onions, cilantro, and almonds into rice mixture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 212.6 calories, Carbohydrate 39.4 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg, Fat 3.9 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 285.2 mg, Sugar 6.1 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in the final dish. Look for high-quality couscous, almonds, coconut, and cranberries.
- Toast the almonds and coconut: This will bring out their flavor and make them more fragrant. You can toast them in a pan on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the couscous will add a lot of flavor to the dish. Choose a broth that you enjoy the taste of, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
- Add some spices: Spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can add a warm, exotic flavor to the pilaf. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint can add a pop of color and flavor to the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Conclusion:
This couscous pilaf with almonds, coconut, and cranberries is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or main course. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.
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