Best 9 Lemony Israeli Couscous With Asparagus Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Israel with this delightful Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus recipe. This traditional dish combines the tangy flavors of lemon and the vibrant crunch of asparagus, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of spices, herbs, and fresh ingredients.

Alongside the main recipe, discover a treasure trove of additional culinary delights. Delight in the aromatic flavors of the Lemony Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, a lighter and gluten-free alternative that offers a burst of freshness. For a hearty and satisfying meal, explore the Lemony Orzo Salad with Asparagus, where the chewy orzo pasta pairs perfectly with the crisp asparagus and tangy lemon dressing.

If you're craving a vegetarian main course, the Lemony Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables is a vibrant and flavorful option, packed with a medley of roasted vegetables and topped with a zesty lemon sauce. And for those seeking a quick and easy side dish, the Lemony Asparagus is a simple yet elegant choice, featuring tender asparagus spears tossed in a vibrant lemon dressing.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

LEMON ISRAELI COUSCOUS



Lemon Israeli Couscous image

For this lemon Israeli couscous, the grains are cooked in chicken stock for extra flavor and tossed with peas, mint, parsley, and lemon zest.

Provided by Renée Behnke

Categories     Sides

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous*
2 cups homemade chicken stock or top-quality canned chicken broth, or more if needed
1 cup frozen petite peas
3 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until tender and aromatic. Stir in the couscous and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer, until evenly coated with oil and lightly toasty in aroma. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Cover, decrease the heat to low, and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, until tender.
  • Stir the peas, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and extra-virgin olive oil into the couscous, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook the couscous, stirring, over medium-low heat until the mint and lemon are aromatic, 2 to 3 minutes longer. The couscous should be tender and the mixture fluffy, not soupy. If it's too dry, add a few tablespoons more stock or water. Originally published July 14, 2009.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 calories

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS, AND SUGAR SNAPS



Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps image

Provided by Jeanne Kelley

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Parmesan     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Chill     Healthy     Potluck     Couscous     Sugar Snap Pea     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1 1/3 cups Israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
14 ounces slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  • Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Test-kitchen tip:
  • To trim asparagus, hold onto the top of the stalk with one hand and bend the bottom of the stalk with your other hand. The stalk will snap, separating the woody end from the tender top.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Israeli Couscous With Asparagus image

Make and share this Israeli Couscous With Asparagus recipe from Food.com.

Provided by gailanng

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups water
1 3/4 cups asparagus, diagonally cut into 1 inch slices
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/4 cups chicken broth, fat and salt-free
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup couscous, such as Israeli couscous
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons cashew nuts, chopped and lightly salted

Steps:

  • To cook asparagus place water in a medium saucepan; bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook 2 minutes or just until crisp-tender; drain. Place asparagus in ice water 1 minute; drain. Set aside.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil. Add couscous; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook 5 minutes.
  • Stir in asparagus, black pepper, red bell pepper and cashews. Cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.

LEMON INFUSED COUSCOUS PEARLS



Lemon Infused Couscous Pearls image

Provided by Mila

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup Israeli couscous
1 tbsp of butter
1 small shallot (finely diced)
zest of half a lemon (plus more for garnish)
1 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
1/4 Parmesan (shredded plus more for garnish)
1 tbsp of parsley finely chopped as a garnish

Steps:

  • Heat small pot with a tablespoon of butter, 1 shallot and the zest of half a lemon.
  • Over medium heat, we are going to melt the butter and let the butter get infused with the flavors of the shallot and the lemon zest. Give this about 3 minutes. Again, you are sweating the aromatics not browning them.
  • Throw in a cup of your Israel couscous and toss everything together, ensuring your couscous is covered by the shallot and butter mixture. Essentially you are toasting them a bit. Do this for about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of chicken broth, stock or water. I find the chicken stocks and broths give it a more savory flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork. This will ensure you have light and fluffy individual grains. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and mix with a fork. Taste for seasoning.
  • Serve in a bowl with some more lemon zest, chopped parsley and nice shredding of Parmesan cheese on top.

STEAMED COUSCOUS



Steamed Couscous image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
3 cups good chicken stock, preferably homemade
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups couscous (12 ounces)

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onions and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but not browned. Add the chicken stock, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and bring to a full boil. Stir in the couscous, turn off the heat, cover, and allow to steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

TOASTED ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH VEGETABLES AND LEMON-BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Toasted Israeli Couscous with Vegetables and Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 pound Israeli couscous
Salt
12 spears asparagus, grilled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 zucchini, halved, grilled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow squash, halved, grilled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large red peppers, grilled, peeled and diced into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette, recipe follows
1 small shallot, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Heat large saute pan on grates of the grill over medium heat. Add couscous and toast until lightly golden brown.
  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt and toasted couscous and cook until al dente. Drain well and place in a large bowl. Add grilled vegetables, olives, basil, and vinaigrette and toss until combined; season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving or cover and refrigerate.
  • Whisk shallot, juice, zest, vinegars, and salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil until emulsified.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS, AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS



Israeli Couscous With Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snap Peas image

Israeli couscous is small, round, toasted pasta with grains about the size of peppercorns. Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature.

Provided by Motley Oklahoman

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/3 cups israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups vegetable broth (or more)
14 ounces asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup green peas, thawed (fresh or frozen)
1/3 cup fresh chives, chopped
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  • Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.2, Fat 12, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 7.3, Sodium 142.6, Carbohydrate 40.2, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 3.1, Protein 11.9

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH EDAMAME AND ASPARAGUS



ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH EDAMAME AND ASPARAGUS image

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 tsp grated lemon peel
1-1/3 cups Israeli couscous (7 oz)
1-3/4 cups broth
2-1/2 cups slender asparagus, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces
1 cup shelled edamame
1/3 cup chopped chives
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set aside. Heat 1 tbsp oil in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, saute until golden brown. Add 1-3/4 cups broth, bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer until couscous is tender; add more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, edamame, garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, sautee 3 mins until crisp-tender. Transfer to a bowl, add couscous, dressing, chives, cheese. Season with salt and pepper

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Fruit Pasta Salad

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

Tips:

  • Use Israeli couscous: Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, has a larger and chewier texture than traditional couscous, making it perfect for salads and pilafs. It's also easier to cook, as it doesn't require any pre-soaking.
  • Rinse the asparagus: Rinsing the asparagus helps to remove any dirt or grit that may be clinging to the spears. It also helps to brighten their color.
  • Use fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish. If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice, but be sure to use 100% lemon juice, not lemon-lime juice.
  • Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts adds a nutty flavor and aroma to the dish. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown.
  • Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while the couscous is still warm and fluffy. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can cook the couscous and asparagus according to the recipe, then let them cool completely. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the couscous and asparagus in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then stir in the lemon dressing and pine nuts.

Conclusion:

Lemony Israeli couscous with asparagus is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover asparagus. The combination of lemon, asparagus, and herbs makes this dish both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you serve it warm or cold, this couscous salad is sure to be a hit.

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