Couscous with Currants and Cumin
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Couscous with Currants and Cumin recipe, a perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and subtle spice. Fluffy couscous forms the base for this quick and easy dish, while toasted cumin seeds and ground cinnamon lend aromatic depth. Juicy currants add a hint of natural sweetness, balanced beautifully by fresh parsley, tangy lemon juice, and crunchy toasted almonds. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile recipe works as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats or a light, plant-based entrée. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is flexible. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or festive gatherings, this recipe brings together vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired flavors in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 0.5 cup currants
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cumin seeds, and salt to the boiling water.
Stir in the couscous, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
Meanwhile, place the currants in a small bowl and cover them with hot water to plump them up. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, then drain.
Once the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it with a fork to break up any clumps.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, drained currants, cinnamon, lemon juice, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Gently toss to incorporate the flavors.
Fold in the chopped parsley and toasted slivered almonds for added color and texture.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a versatile side dish or light entrée.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
808 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.5 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1537 mg | 67% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.4 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.3 g | ||
| Protein | 14.1 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 212 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 997 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
