Couscous with Pine Nuts and Currants
Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and effortlessly elegant Couscous with Pine Nuts and Currants recipe. Featuring fluffy, golden couscous infused with olive oil and brightened by a touch of aromatic lemon zest, this dish is brought to life with the sweet chew of currants and the rich, nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness, while a hint of black pepper ties it all together. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile side dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a light vegetarian main course. Perfect for both casual meals and holiday spreads, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick and flavorful addition to their culinary repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 cups pine nuts
- 0.25 cups currants
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
Once the water is boiling, remove the pan from heat, stir in the couscous, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the couscous and mix gently.
Stir in the currants, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl and garnish with additional pine nuts or parsley, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
779 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.5 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1516 mg | 66% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.7 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.4 g | ||
| Protein | 12.4 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 689 mg | 15% | |
*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.
