Saffron Couscous with Herbs
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Saffron Couscous with Herbs, a perfect blend of aromatic saffron, fluffy couscous, and fresh herbs that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Infused with golden saffron threads steeped in warm vegetable broth, each grain of couscous bursts with rich, luxurious flavor. Fresh parsley, cilantro, and mint add a fragrant, zesty touch, while a hint of lemon juice and zest brightens every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy yet elegant recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a showstopping side for entertaining. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch this herbaceous dish steal the spotlight at your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups vegetable broth
- 0.25 teaspoon saffron threads
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat the vegetable broth in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Add the saffron threads and stir to combine. Let the saffron steep in the hot broth for 1-2 minutes to release its color and flavor.
In a large heatproof bowl, add the dry couscous and olive oil. Mix well to coat the couscous evenly with the oil.
Carefully pour the saffron-infused broth over the couscous. Stir once to ensure all the grains are submerged in the liquid.
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the broth.
After 5 minutes, remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
Add the chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the couscous. Mix gently to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir once more to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a light meal. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
539 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.9 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2187 mg | 95% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.8 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 11.7 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 723 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.
