Spiced Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts

Name: Spiced Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-3/4 cups finely chopped sweet onions; 1-1/2 cups uncooked pearl (Israeli) couscous; 1-3/4 cups water; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon curry powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/3 cup dried currants; 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted; Lemon wedges, optional

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Total Time: Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

By Taste Of Home Editorial Team

Recipe by Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Tested by Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Nov. 28, 2023

This side dish is great for entertaining, as you can prepare the topping ahead of time, and the couscous takes only minutes. Try adding a cup of drained and rinsed garbanzo beans to boost the protein! —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

TEST KITCHEN APPROVED

Spiced Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts

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Yield:4 servings

Prep:15 min

Cook:15 min

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1-3/4 cups finely chopped sweet onions
1-1/2 cups uncooked pearl (Israeli) couscous
1-3/4 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/3 cup dried currants
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
Lemon wedges, optional

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Directions

1
In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Add couscous; cook and stir until couscous is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.

2
Add water, salt, cinnamon, curry powder, cumin and coriander; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, 7-10 minutes. Stir in currants, cilantro, mint and lemon zest; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. If desired, serve with lemon wedges.