Couscous with Dried Apricots Currants and Pistachios
Elevate your side dish repertoire with this vibrant and flavorful Couscous with Dried Apricots, Currants, and Pistachios. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this dish combines fluffy couscous with sweet pops of dried apricots and currants, the crunch of toasted pistachios, and a fragrant medley of cinnamon and cumin. Finished with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, this easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a versatile side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a stand-alone light vegetarian dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup dried apricots
- 0.25 cup currants
- 0.25 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Start by preparing the dried apricots. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 1 cup of couscous. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the water.
While the couscous is resting, toast the pistachios in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
After the couscous has rested, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer the couscous to a large mixing bowl.
Add the chopped dried apricots, currants, toasted pistachios, and chopped parsley to the couscous. Mix gently to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, cinnamon, and ground cumin. Pour this dressing over the couscous mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or spices to taste.
Serve the couscous warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
811 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.7 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1516 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.6 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.1 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.6 g | ||
| Protein | 15.3 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 153 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1222 mg | 26% | |
*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.
