Moroccan Couscous {Quick and Flavorful Aspect Dish} – WellPlated.com

Time so as to add a little bit pizzazz to your grain recreation! This fast and simple Moroccan Couscous is a refreshing change of tempo to the usual aspect.

Couscous is a wholesome, versatile aspect which you can serve with something from roasted greens to rooster to lamb.

This recipe cooks in 15 minutes, and some easy touches like delicate spices, golden raisins, and pine nuts make it style particular sufficient to serve at a vacation meal.

What’s Moroccan Couscous Anyway?

First, let’s begin with couscous.

Whereas it resembles a tiny grain of rice or quinoa, couscous is a pasta. It’s made out of semolina (semolina is a flour made out of durum wheat and is utilized in most conventional pastas) and water.

As a result of it’s so small, couscous cooks in a matter of minutes, making it a wonderful alternative for a last-minute aspect. Because it cooks on the stovetop, it retains your oven free for different endeavors.

Couscous is a staple dish in lots of North African nations together with Morocco, a rustic I dream of visiting sooner or later.

One in every of my most vivid post-college recollections is of a pal cooking a Moroccan themed dinner for an enormous group. She piled spiced couscous excessive on a big platter, topped with rooster and greens, and we ate it on the ground, scooping our servings from the communal plate (these have been the times!).

That meal made fairly the impression. I’ve been smitten with Moroccan meals and taste since.

The best way to Make Moroccan Couscous

Happily, we don’t want to go to Morocco to take pleasure in a serving of couscous. This recipe takes inspiration from Moroccan delicacies and components however is delicate sufficient to serve with all kinds of mains.

The Substances

• Couscous. Fast-cooking, tasty, and (I can’t assist myself right here) tremendous cute! I wish to buy complete wheat couscous, as a result of like different complete grain choices, it’s greater in protein and fiber than its white counterparts. In the event you can’t discover it, common couscous works effectively on this recipe too.
• Shallot. Beginning the recipe by sautéing a shallot provides the complete dish a extra sturdy, full taste.
• Golden Raisins. A preferred ingredient in Moroccan cooking, raisins (I like golden raisins right here) give the couscous bits of sweetness and make it extra texturally fascinating.
• Pine Nuts. One other basic ingredient in Moroccan delicacies, pine nuts add pops of nutty depth and crunch. You solely want a small quantity, however I do know pine nuts are dear. Be at liberty to swap them for one more nut like pistachios or almonds. Be sure you toast your nuts first for max taste and a superior texture.
• Lemon, Garlic, and Parsley. Three conventional Moroccan components, they provide the couscous freshness and life.
• Cumin. Moroccan delicacies is particularly renown for its spices. This recipe retains the spices pretty delicate in order that the couscous pairs effectively with a wide range of dishes. A contact of cumin is all you want.

The Instructions

1. Toast the pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet within the oven at 350 levels F till golden. Watch them fastidiously, as they burn simply. Switch the toasted nuts to a bowl.

2. Sauté the shallots within the butter, then add the spices and broth. Carry the combination to a boil. Take away the skillet from the warmth, and add the couscous. Cowl and let it sit.

3. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in mix-ins. ENJOY!

What to Serve with Moroccan Couscous

This couscous is an all-around aspect that goes effectively with any of your favourite proteins, together with meat, seafood, and vegetarian choices.

Make-Forward and Storage Suggestions

Couscous additionally saves and reheats effectively, making it a unbelievable make-ahead choice for a celebration. Not a planner? It takes all of 15 minutes to cook dinner, so it can save you it for the final minute too if that’s extra your fashion.

• To Make Forward. As much as 2 days forward of time, put together the couscous as directed, cowl, and refrigerate it. Serve it heat or at room temperature.
• To Retailer. Place leftover couscous in an hermetic storage container within the fridge for as much as Three days.
• To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers in a big skillet on the range over medium-low warmth. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You too can reheat this dish within the microwave.
• To Freeze. Let the couscous cool fully, then retailer it in an hermetic freezer-safe storage container within the freezer for as much as Three months. Let thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

Really helpful Instruments to Make This Recipe

• Baking Sheets. These are perfect for toasting the nuts.
• Versatile Saucepan. This one is a really helpful measurement for cooking grains and with correct care can final a lifetime.
• Citrus Juicer. The BEST method to juice any citrus fruit. You’ll be amazed how a lot juice it might squeeze from each lemon.

For a recipe that can shock and delight, all with little or no effort in your half, this Moroccan couscous doesn’t disappoint. In the event you attempt it, please go away a remark and let me know what you assume!