Best 8 Israeli Couscous With Almonds Dried Cranberries Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with Israeli couscous, a delightful dish that blends the vibrant flavors of the region. Also known as pearl couscous, Israeli couscous, is larger and rounder than traditional couscous, boasting a delightful bite and a nutty flavor. Join us as we explore the diverse recipes featured in this article, each offering a unique twist on this versatile ingredient. From a refreshing salad brimming with roasted vegetables and a tangy dressing to a hearty skillet dish featuring succulent chicken and a medley of Mediterranean spices, these recipes are sure to captivate your senses and leave you craving for more. Vegetarian enthusiasts will delight in the vibrant flavors of the roasted vegetable and almond couscous, while those seeking a protein-packed meal will relish the chicken and couscous with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. And for a sweet and savory combination, indulge in the dried cranberry and almond Israeli couscous, a perfect accompaniment to your favorite main course or a delightful snack on its own.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CRANBERRY SALAD



Israeli Couscous and Cranberry Salad image

This is a delicious and colourful salad which is quick and easy to make. Keeps well if it lasts that long. I only used 1 cup of dried craisins and as I didn't have a full cup of them I topped it up with dried currants. I also only used 1/3 cup of pine nuts as that was all I had, and also they are very expensive, so using a whole cup seems a bit extravagant. However I submit the recipe in it's original form.

Provided by Kiwi Kathy

Categories     Grains

Time 25m

Yield 8 , 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup israeli couscous
2 cups vegetable stock
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup spring onion, white parts only, chopped
1/2 red onion, medium sized and finely chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 shallot, minced
1/2 lemon
salt

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over a medium heta in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
  • Add the Israeli couscous and stir about 1 minute or until the couscous is lightly browned.
  • Stir in 2 cups of stock, cover with lid, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed most of the liquid and is al dente.
  • Drain in a colander, but do not rinse. Leave to cool.
  • Once cool stir in the remaining3 tbsps olive oil to coast and separate the grains.
  • Combine the couscous with the cranberries, pine nuts, spring onions, red onion, cilantro, lemon zest and shallots.
  • Spritz with lemon juice and adjust with salt to taste.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ALMONDS & DRIED CRANBERRIES



Israeli Couscous With Almonds & Dried Cranberries image

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

2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
2 c Israeli couscous
4 c chicken broth
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley
1 c dried cranberries
1/2 c slivered almonds

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.

APRICOT-CRANBERRY ISRAELI COUSCOUS



Apricot-Cranberry Israeli Couscous image

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a bit chewy, a little bit nutty, and tastes nothing like traditional couscous. This has an appealing fruity flavor and is a tasty, satisfying side dish to just about any main course. We particularly enjoy it with fish.

Provided by lutzflcat

Categories     Side Dish

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup Israeli couscous
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup orange juice
⅓ cup finely chopped dried apricots
¼ cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Ocean Spray® Craisins®)
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Steps:

  • Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add Israeli couscous and stir occasionally until lightly browned and toasted, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour over couscous and add orange juice. Stir in apricots, dried cranberries, and ginger. Bring back to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 10 to 11 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with chopped mint, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.7 g, Cholesterol 8.6 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 30.2 mg, Sugar 13.5 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD



Israeli Couscous Salad image

A fresh and light salad of Israeli couscous, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, spinach, and herbs drizzled with a tangy citrus dressing. Serve by itself or alongside your favorite protein.

Provided by The Natalie Method

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Spinach Pasta Salad

Time 1h35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Israeli couscous, uncooked
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup quartered black olives
¼ cup sliced scallions
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
¼ cup julienned fresh mint leaves
¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves
lemon, zested and juiced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add dry couscous and saute until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until couscous is tender and all liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
  • While the couscous is cooling, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and Dijon mustard together for the dressing in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
  • Transfer cooled couscous to a serving bowl. Add cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, olives, scallions , parsley, mint, and basil. Pour dressing over top and mix to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 45.7 g, Cholesterol 0.2 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 6.2 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 635.8 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

COUSCOUS PILAF WITH ALMONDS, COCONUT, AND CRANBERRIES



Couscous Pilaf with Almonds, Coconut, and Cranberries image

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

butter-flavored cooking spray
⅓ cup chopped almonds
⅓ cup shredded coconut
⅓ cup dried cranberries
1 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup uncooked couscous

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 DRIED CRANBERRIES AND TOASTED ALMONDS



Israeli Couscous With Dried Cranberries and Toasted Almonds image

Try this recipe for Israeli couscous with dried cranberries and toasted almonds from Ronnie Fein's cookbook "Hip Kosher."

Provided by Giora Shimoni

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Side Dish     Pasta

Time 23m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup couscous
1/4 cup almonds (chopped or slivered)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 to 4 medium scallions (chopped)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange peel
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Gather the ingredients.
  • Place the couscous in a dry sauté pan over medium heat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the couscous is lightly toasted.
  • Place the couscous in a saucepan, add 1 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and spoon it into a bowl.
  • While the couscous is cooking, toast the almonds in the sauté pan over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Add to the couscous.
  • Stir in the cranberries and scallions, distributing them evenly.
  • Mix the olive oil, vinegar, and orange peel in a small bowl and pour over the couscous.
  • Toss the ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 kcal, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 77 mg, Sugar 7 g, Fat 10 g, ServingSize 4 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH APPLES, CRANBERRIES AND HERBS



Israeli Couscous with Apples, Cranberries and Herbs image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups Israeli couscous (or barley or orzo)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 medium green apple, diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted, see Cook's Note
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • For the couscous: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly browned and aromatic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, apple, dried cranberries, and almonds.
  • For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until smooth. Pour the vinaigrette over the couscous and toss to coat evenly.

CURRIED ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES



Curried Israeli Couscous With Dried Cranberries image

Based on the Whole Foods couscous with dried cranberries this is a great side dish or weekday lunch. Flexible recipe. Adapted from http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/israeli-couscous-with-cranberries-and-pecans-a-la-whole-foods-50040927

Provided by Papagayita

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6 cups, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups israeli couscous, uncooked
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup toasted pecans, broken into pieces
2 green onions, minced
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 orange, zest of (optional)
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or to taste)
2 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • Film a pan with a bit of oil and bring to medium heat. Toast couscous for ~3-5 minutes, stirring, until couscous is golden. (Optional step but adds a lot of flavor). Add water and bring to a boil. Cover and turn to low so mixture bubbles gently. Cook until liquid is absorbed and couscous is al dente, 8-10 minutes.
  • Make the dressing: combine the oil, vinegar, orange juice, herbs and spices in a jar and shake to combine.
  • Mix everything but the green onions together, stir and adjust seasonings. Top with green onions & feta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.1, Fat 30.9, SaturatedFat 2.6, Sodium 15.9, Carbohydrate 76.3, Fiber 8.7, Sugar 2.9, Protein 14.1

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-cooked Israeli couscous.
  • If you don't have dried cranberries, you can use raisins or chopped dried apricots instead.
  • Toasted almonds add a nice crunch to the dish, but you can omit them if you prefer.
  • If you want a more flavorful dish, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the couscous.
  • Serve the couscous warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion:

Israeli couscous with almonds and dried cranberries is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It's also a great option for a packed lunch or a potluck. With its bright flavors and textures, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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