Best 2 Pearl Couscous With Chicken And Peas Recipes

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Pearl Couscous with Chicken and Peas, a vibrant dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique blend of textures and flavors. This culinary creation seamlessly merges the nutty flavor of pearl couscous with succulent chicken and vibrant peas, enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. The symphony of flavors is further elevated by the aromatic herbs and zesty lemon, culminating in a dish that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

This versatile recipe offers multiple variations to cater to diverse culinary preferences. Delight in the classic version featuring chicken, or explore the vegetarian alternative with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. If creamy indulgence is your desire, the rich and velvety sauce will satisfy your cravings. However, if a lighter option is preferred, simply omit the cream and enjoy the naturally flavorful broth.

For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe adapts effortlessly. Gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or brown rice can seamlessly replace pearl couscous, ensuring everyone can savor this culinary delight. Lactose-intolerant individuals can substitute dairy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, creating a creamy yet allergen-friendly sauce.

With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and symphony of flavors, Pearl Couscous with Chicken and Peas is a culinary masterpiece that promises to captivate your senses. Whether you're seeking a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for special occasions, this recipe is sure to deliver a memorable dining experience.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PEARL COUSCOUS WITH CREAMY FETA AND CHICKPEAS

Pearl Couscous With Creamy Feta and Chickpeas image

Baking pearl couscous with chickpeas, roasted tomatoes and garlic results in a one-pan vegetarian meal that's cozy and very savory, especially if you use a flavorful stock for cooking. Soft and almost porridgelike in texture, it satisfies the same urge as polenta or risotto. Lemon zest and fresh herbs make it bright, while feta, added at the end, gives the whole thing a creamy richness. Save leftovers to bring to work for lunch the next day; they pack up perfectly. If you feel like you need more vegetables here to round out the meal, serve this on a bed of baby spinach, some of which will wilt on contact with the hot couscous.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, lunch, weekday, grains and rice, main course

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup sliced scallions
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, plus more for serving
2 fat garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving
3 oregano, rosemary or sage sprigs
2 cups vegetable stock or water
1/3 cup chopped cilantro, dill or parsley, plus more for serving
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1/2 lemon)
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
8 ounces pearl couscous (1 1/2 cups)
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup feta, crumbled (about 4 ounces)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan (1 1/2 ounces)

Steps:

Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a 9-inch baking dish, cake pan or gratin dish, toss together tomatoes, scallions, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and oregano sprigs. Roast until tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
While tomatoes roast, heat the stock until it boils, then stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt, adding more to taste. (You want a well-seasoned broth here to flavor the couscous.) Stir in cilantro, lemon zest and cumin.
Remove tomatoes from oven and fold in couscous, chickpeas and hot stock mixture. Cover pan tightly with foil, and return to oven for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and fold in about 3/4ths of the feta (save the rest for garnish) and Parmesan. Bake uncovered until feta starts to melt, another 5 minutes.
To serve, pull out and discard herb sprigs if you like, and spoon couscous into bowls. Top with remaining feta, lots more herbs, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 614, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 14 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 1019 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

SKILLET CHICKEN AND PEARL COUSCOUS WITH MOROCCAN SPICES

Skillet Chicken and Pearl Couscous With Moroccan Spices image

This one-pan meal, which is inspired by the tagines of North Africa, is prepared in a deep skillet or Dutch oven instead of the traditional clay pot. Briefly marinate bone-in chicken thighs in lime juice, garlic, cumin and olive oil, then brown and set aside. (If you're short on time, skip the marinade; simply add the ground cumin when you're toasting the other spices in the chicken fat.) Stir in harissa, cinnamon and turmeric, toast until fragrant, then add quick-cooking pearl couscous and the chicken, so everything finishes cooking together. Top the finished dish with a fistful of roughly chopped tender herbs and lime zest for a jolt of brightness.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories dinner, one pot, poultry, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
1 teaspoon fresh lime zest plus 1/4 cup juice (from 2 limes)
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil
1 large leek, trimmed, rinsed of grit then thinly sliced into rings (about 1 1/2 cups), or 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon harissa paste, tomato paste or chile-garlic sauce
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups pearl couscous or orzo
1 1/2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
1/2 cup roughly chopped mixed tender herbs such as parsley, cilantro and mint (optional)

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, lime juice, olive oil, garlic and cumin. Season well with salt and pepper and stir together until the chicken is well coated in the marinade; set aside at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes.
In a deep, 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven with a lid, heat the grapeseed or canola oil over medium-high. When it shimmers, lift the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl, then add the chicken to the skillet, skin-side down. Working in batches, if necessary, to avoid crowding the pan, cook until the chicken is well browned on both sides, about 6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Reduce heat to medium, add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes, scraping up any brown bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the harissa paste, turmeric and cinnamon, and cook until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Season well with salt.
Add the couscous to the pan and stir until well coated in the spiced leek oil. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and add the chicken back to the pan, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and simmer until the couscous is al dente and the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. If you're lucky, some of the couscous may slightly stick to the bottom of the pan, creating well-seasoned crispy bites.
Remove from the heat and remove the lid. Scatter with the herbs, if using, and the lime zest, then serve from the pan.

Tips:

To save time, use pre-cooked or frozen pearl couscous.
If you don't have chicken broth, you can use water instead.
Add more or less chili flakes depending on your desired level of spiciness.
Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
Serve this dish with a side of yogurt or hummus for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

This pearl couscous with chicken and peas is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is packed with flavor. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it is also a healthy and affordable option. This dish is sure to please the whole family, and it is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.