Discover a delightful blend of flavors and textures with our Couscous with Cranberries and Almonds recipe! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a quick and healthy option that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Imagine fluffy couscous infused with savory vegetable broth, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted almonds, all brought together with a hint of fresh parsley. Whether you're looking for a vibrant side dish to impress your guests or a light main course for a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Ready to elevate your culinary skills? Let’s dive into the magic of couscous!
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of couscous, 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley (chopped), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 1 1/4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. This will be the liquid for cooking the couscous.
- Once the vegetable broth is boiling, stir in the 1 cup of couscous. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the broth and become fluffy.
- While the couscous is resting, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the skillet. Toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- After the couscous has rested, use a fork to fluff it up gently. Add the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the toasted almonds to the couscous. Drizzle in the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix everything together until well combined.
- Next, add the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to the couscous mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Serve the couscous warm as a side dish or a light main course. You can garnish it with additional parsley or almonds if desired. Enjoy your delicious Couscous with Cranberries and Almonds!
Tips
- Perfectly Toasted Almonds: Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting them in the skillet. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently and remove them from heat as soon as they’re fragrant and lightly browned.
- Fluff it Up: When the couscous has finished resting, use a fork instead of a spoon to fluff it. This helps separate the grains and prevents it from becoming mushy, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with the recipe! Add in some sautéed vegetables, chickpeas for protein, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store the couscous mixture in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or potlucks!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few additional toasted almonds on top just before serving can elevate the dish visually and add an extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
