Recipe for Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar

Recipe for Couscous with Almonds! Are you looking for a flavorful and nutritious dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than this exquisite recipe for Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar. 

Ingredients – Recipe for Couscous with Almonds

• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon za’atar spice blend
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or mint) for garnish

Instructions – Recipe for Couscous with Almonds

Step 1

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pearl couscous until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil. Add the toasted couscous, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Fluff the couscous with a fork.

Step 3

While the couscous is cooking, heat the olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a small bowl, soak the dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up. Drain well.

Step 5

Once the couscous is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed almonds, dried cranberries, za’atar spice blend, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 6

Garnish the couscous with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, just before serving. This will add a vibrant touch to the dish.

Step 7

Serve the Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar as a delicious side dish or as a light and satisfying main course. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!

Nutritional Benefits of Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar

This mouthwatering recipe combines a variety of wholesome ingredients, each offering its unique nutritional benefits. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish not only delicious but also nutritious:

Couscous: Couscous: Made from durum wheat, couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy. It is also low in calories so you can check it out here: couscous calories

Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almonds contribute to heart health and help manage weight. They are also a rich source of vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits.

Dried Cranberries: These tangy berries offer a burst of flavor to the dish while adding dietary fiber and essential vitamins, including vitamin C.

Za’atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend, za’atar is a mixture of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a unique and aromatic touch to the couscous, and some studies suggest that za’atar may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Also See

Israeli Couscous Salad

Recipe by Sweta Biswal

Israeli food comprises of the usual Middle east suspects like Hummus, Msabbah, Falafel, Shakshouka and Couscous . The regular spices used are paprika, turmeric, cumin, thyme, salt, zaatar and even sesame seeds. Herbs like Parsley and cilantro are also popular. Sounds too good, doesn’t it ? Not much of shopping to be done if one wants to enjoy some nice warm Israeli food this weekend !! But if you not much of a weekend cook and would rather prefer to recharge your batteries, this is just the kind of recipe that you would savour. Assembling this easy-peasy Israeli Couscous salad is a child’s play ( you still need to cook the couscous and chop the vegetables ). It is important to remember that Israeli couscous or pearl couscous takes more time to cook as compared to the other varieties that might just need soaking in hot water.

Check out this recipe

The Secret to Perfect Couscous

Creating the perfect couscous dish requires attention to detail and a few tricks up your sleeve. Here are some secrets to elevate your Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar to a new level of excellence:

Toast the couscous: Before cooking the couscous, lightly toast it in a dry skillet to enhance its nutty flavor.

Infuse the water: Instead of using plain water, infuse it with vegetable or chicken broth, along with a hint of olive oil, to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Prep the cranberries: Soak the dried cranberries in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up and soften their texture, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or mint over the couscous to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

Delectable Accompaniments

• Grilled Chicken: Serve the couscous alongside succulent grilled chicken breast marinated in lemon and herbs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of colorful vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, to create a vibrant and healthy side dish.
• Greek Yogurt Sauce: Prepare a refreshing yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill to provide a cooling contrast to the warm couscous.

Exploring Variations

One of the wonderful aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can personalize it by incorporating variations that suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Vegetarian Delight: Skip the chicken broth and substitute vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.

Adding Protein: Boost the protein content by tossing in cooked chickpeas or grilled shrimp.

Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the couscous.

Proper Storage for Freshness

To ensure the longevity and freshness of your Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar, follow these simple guidelines for proper storage:

Refrigeration: Place any leftover couscous in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Freezing: If you wish to store the couscous for a longer duration, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the couscous, add a splash of water or broth and gently heat it in a covered saucepan over low heat. Fluff the couscous with a fork to restore its texture.

Final Thoughts

Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar is a delightful dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures to create a culinary masterpiece. This recipe showcases the beauty of couscous and the versatility it offers. By incorporating almonds, dried cranberries, and za’atar, you elevate this dish to new heights of taste and nutrition. 

Don’t hesitate to experiment with accompaniments and variations to suit your preferences. Remember to store the couscous properly to maintain its freshness. So gather your ingredients, embark on this culinary journey, and enjoy the delightful experience of Couscous with Almonds, Dried Cranberries, and Za’atar!

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