Couscous with Dried Cranberries or Cherries
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Couscous with Dried Cranberries or Cherries—a quick and flavorful recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Infused with the bright zest of fresh orange and a hint of olive oil, this fluffy couscous is perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart bursts of dried cranberries or cherries. A touch of butter adds optional richness, while toasted almonds or pine nuts and fresh parsley lend a delightful crunch and pop of color. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or hearty salads, making it an effortless addition to any meal. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, you'll love how delicious and easy this dish is to prepare!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon zest of one orange
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons toasted almonds or pine nuts (optional garnish)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the liquid is boiling, stir in the dried cranberries or cherries, olive oil, orange zest, salt, and pepper.
Add the couscous to the saucepan, stirring briefly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Turn off the heat, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the couscous sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
If desired, stir in the butter for extra flavor and richness.
Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley and toasted almonds or pine nuts, if using.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish for roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a hearty salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
756 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.8 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1667 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.4 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 59.1 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 75 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 332 mg | 7% | |
*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.
