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Add a spark of excitement to your usual side dish! This Couscous with Raisins recipe uses whole wheat couscous as a nutritious base, while the aromatic duo of garlic and onion sets the stage for flavor. The sweet, plump raisins are the star of the dish, adding an unexpected burst of sweetness that elevates the couscous to new heights.
Best of all, this recipe doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just a few minutes and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to serve. And let’s not forget about its nutritional benefits – it’s packed with fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice for any meal. So, why wait? Give this delightful couscous recipe a try and bring a touch of gourmet to your everyday meals.
What is Couscous?
Couscous is a tiny pasta made from semolina, a type of wheat. It originates from North Africa, but its ease of preparation and adaptable flavor have made it popular worldwide.
There are different varieties of couscous available, including Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese. In this recipe, we’re using whole wheat Moroccan couscous. It’s the smallest size and the fastest cooking. Plus it’s made from whole wheat flour, making it a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, allowing you to enjoy your meal guilt-free!
Health Benefits of Whole Wheat Couscous:
Whole wheat couscous is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a range of health benefits:
- Fiber-Rich: It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Couscous contains essential vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, magnesium, and iron.
- Protein Punch: It provides a good amount of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.
Ingredients
This simple couscous recipe requires just a few ingredients, most of which are pantry staples for anyone following a Mediterranean Diet.
- Whole wheat couscous: The star of the show, whole wheat couscous is high in fiber and offers a delicious, nutty flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, savory note and helps sauté our aromatics.
- Garlic: Brings a kick of flavor, essential for any savory dish.
- Green onions: The white part of the onion gets sautéed with the garlic, while the green is used as a topping to add a fresh, crisp touch and beautiful color contrast.
- Raisins: These sweet treats add a surprising burst of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients.
- A pinch of salt: Just to enhance all the other flavors in the dish. You can omit it if you are on a low sodium diet.
How to make Couscous with Raisins
Here’s a basic outline of how to make this healthy couscous recipe:
- Prep your garlic and green onions, separating the white and green parts, and heat up your saucepan.
- Sauté garlic and the white part of the onions in olive oil.
- Add in your couscous, raisins, water, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, cover and turn off the heat.
- Rest 10 minutes then fluff with a fork.
- Serve with a sprinkle of green onions!
For a detailed version of the recipe, scroll further down!
Substitutions and Variations:
If you want to shake things up, feel free to experiment with ingredients.
- Spices like cinnamon, coriander, or cumin can bring a warm, aromatic twist.
- Top it off with nuts (pine nuts, almonds, cashews) or herbs (parsley, cilantro) for added texture and flavor.
- Swap out the raisins for dried apricots or figs cut up in small pieces.
- Add some green olives, lemon juice and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Creative Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dish Elegance: Serve couscous with raisins as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. Its flavors complement a variety of mains.
- Main Course Marvel: Elevate couscous to a main course by incorporating cooked chickpeas, roasted butternut squash, and a drizzle of tahini cilantro sauce
- Wholesome Salad: Turn this couscous into a nutritious salad by adding chopped fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette.
- Fruit Fusion: Enhance its sweetness by adding fresh fruits like diced peaches, apricots or pomegranate seeds.
Storage:
To store your couscous, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving, or enjoy at room temperature!
Conclusion: Elevate Your Meals with Couscous and Raisins
Couscous with Raisins isn’t just a dish; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. From its easy preparation to its versatility, this dish is a must-try. As you savor the delightful blend of textures and flavors, you’ll also be nourishing your body with the goodness of whole wheat couscous. Whether you serve it as a side dish or let it shine as a main course, couscous with raisins is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
More favorite recipes:
Bulgur Mujadara (Lentils & Bulgur)
Couscous with Raisins
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat couscous
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 green onions
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Slice green onions, separating white from green.
- Preheat a saucepan on medium high heat.
- Add garlic, white part of the green onions and olive oil. Sauté for one minute until onion softens a bit.
- Add raisins, couscous and water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover and turn heat off.
- Fluff with a fork after 10 minutes.
- Serve topped with green part of the onions.
If you have never heard of couscous, let alone tried it, now is the time. This recipe is delicious and incredibly healthy. I recommend using this as a side with something juicy (like the grilled chicken / vegetables suggested) as couscous by itself can sometimes be a bit dry… but the raisins in this recipe help mitigate that! Check it out and feast!