Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts
Elevate your next meal with this quick and flavorful Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts recipe, a perfect balance of nutty, herby, and citrusy goodness. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish features fluffy couscous infused with the subtle richness of olive oil, a hint of butter, and a fragrant pop of toasted pine nuts. Optional fresh parsley and lemon zest add a bright, fresh touch, making it an ideal side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a light vegetarian main course. Using water or vegetable broth ensures versatility while enhancing flavor, and simple pantry staples like salt and pepper tie everything together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for an easy weeknight dish, this recipe delivers elegance and simplicity in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water or vegetable broth
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is warm, add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent them from burning, until they turn golden and fragrant. Remove the pine nuts from the pan and set aside.
In the same saucepan, add the water or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the salt.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
After the couscous has rested, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Optionally, stir in the butter for added richness.
Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts, black pepper, parsley, and lemon zest, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or on its own, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
782 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.6 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 2662 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.2 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 11.6 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 45 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 459 mg | 10% | |
*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.
