Zesty Herb Couscous Recipe with Toasted Almonds

Dive into a world of flavor with our Zesty Herb Couscous Recipe. Featuring lots of fresh herbs, orange zest and toasted almonds for an irresistible crunch. This Moroccan-inspired side dish is a testament to vibrant flavors and easy cooking. Making it a perfect choice for families and culinary enthusiasts seeking a wholesome, flavorful addition to their meal.

I'll never forget the look on Grant's face the first time I served him a plate piled high with Chicken, Mediterranean roasted veggies, and herbed couscous. The cous-cous seemed to perplex him. It was as foreign to his palate as the far reaches of the Middle Eastern deserts from which it hails. At that moment, the thought of swapping his beloved rice and potatoes for these tiny pearls of semolina was unthinkable.

Fast forward a decade, and it's a different story. The man who once eyed couscous with suspicion now requests it by name, proving that tastes can indeed evolve. This transformation from skepticism to adoration is a testament to the universal appeal of this versatile grain. Herbed couscous, once a stranger, has now found its rightful place in our kitchen, often taking the stage as a beloved alternative to rice.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Simple Couscous Recipe
• Variations
• What’s the difference between Moroccan Couscous and Israeli Couscous
• Is Couscous Gluten Free?
• Storage Instructions
• Zesty Herb Couscous Recipe with Toasted Almonds

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry items, ensuring you can start cooking without the need for extra shopping.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe guarantees a delicious side dish in just minutes, ideal for last-minute meals.
• No Cooking Time: Avoids the use of stovetop or oven, offering a straightforward, mix-and-let-sit approach to cooking.
• Easily Customized: Flexible enough to incorporate your preferred herbs, nuts, or additional ingredients, tailoring the dish to your taste effortlessly.
• Versatile for Any Meal: Whether as a light lunch, a side dish for a main course, or a unique addition to brunch.

Ingredients

• Dried Couscous (plain couscous): The base of our dish, bringing a light and fluffy texture.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little olive oil adds a hint of richness and helps fluff the couscous grains.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning to enhance flavors.
• Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth, or Water: Use any of these liquids to steam the couscous, adding an extra layer of flavor.
• Red Onion: Finely diced for a sharp, sweet crunch.
• Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley, contributes a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Fresh Mint: For a cool, refreshing zing.
• Orange: Zest, to add a citrusy brightness.
• Raw Almonds: Toasted and chopped for a nutty crunch.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Simple Couscous Recipe

• Prep the Base: In a large bowl, combine the dried couscous with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring the grains are evenly coated.
• Add Liquid: Pour boiling vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water over the couscous mixture. Stir quickly, then cover the bowl with cling wrap to trap the steam.

Chefs Tip: The ratio of cous-cous to liquid is always 1 - 1(e.g. 1 cup couscous to 1 cup liquid)

• Let It Steam: Allow the couscous to steam for 5 minutes, creating the perfect environment for the grains to become fluffy.
• Incorporate Flavors: Remove the cling wrap and fluff the couscous with a fork. Add the finely diced red onion, freshly chopped parsley and mint, orange zest, and toasted, chopped almonds to the bowl. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed.
• Final Touches: Taste the couscous and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed, ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored.
• This zesty herb couscous can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Variations

• Add a Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for those who love a bit of heat.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in raisins, sultanas, dried cranberries, or chopped dried Turkish apricots to add a sweet contrast.
• Turn It into a Salad: Let the couscous cool to room temperature, then toss with fresh arugula or spinach, and a splash of lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
• Replace Orange with Lemon: Swap the orange zest for lemon zest for a different citrusy note and create a lemon herb couscous salad instead.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the dish with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant for added texture and flavor.
• Toast the Couscous: Before adding liquid, toast the couscous in a dry pan until golden brown for a nuttier flavor.
• Cheese Please: Stir through crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy addition.
• Chickpeas: Fold in cooked chickpeas for added protein and a hearty texture, making the couscous a more substantial dish.

What’s the difference between Moroccan Couscous and Israeli Couscous

Navigating the diverse world of couscous can be as intriguing as exploring the rich culinary traditions from which it originates. Among the varieties, Moroccan couscous and Israeli couscous (also known as pearled couscous) stand out, each bringing its unique texture and flavor to the table. The main differences between these two types of couscous are not just in size but in their preparation and culinary applications, making each special in its own right.

Both types of couscous, made from semolina flour derived from durum wheat flour and mixed with water, (technically a type of pasta) highlight the versatility and delightful simplicity of this staple ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Moroccan couscous (regular couscous) is known for its light, fluffy texture, perfect for soaking up the flavors of stews and sauces. It's easy to prepare, making it ideal for cooks of all levels. Simply pour boiling water over the couscous, let it stand for 5-15 minutes, and it fluffs up beautifully, ready to complement any dish with its delicate consistency.

Israeli couscous, on the other hand, offers a distinctly different culinary experience. Known for its larger, pearl-like grains, Israeli couscous boasts a pleasantly chewy texture that adds a satisfying bite to any dish. Unlike its Moroccan counterpart, Israeli couscous requires boiling in water or broth on a medium-high heat, much like traditional pasta, to achieve its signature tenderness. This boiling process transforms the pearls, making them beautifully translucent and ready to be tossed into a variety of dishes. 

Is Couscous Gluten Free?

Navigating dietary restrictions often leads to the question: Is couscous gluten-free? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Made from semolina flour derived from durum wheat, couscous naturally contains gluten, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. For a thorough understanding, you can refer to Healthline's article on this topic here. This information is essential for anyone managing a gluten-free diet.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Keep the leftover herb couscous in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, ensuring it stays fresh. (Freezing is possible but not recommended)

This Zesty Herb Couscous Recipe with Toasted Almonds is not only simple and versatile but also brimming with flavors that can transport you to the Mediterranean with just one bite. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to inspire and delight. We encourage you to try it out, play with the variations, and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire. 

Don't forget to share your creations and experiences with us in the comments or on social media. We love seeing how our recipes come to life in your kitchens and hearing about the memories you create around the dinner table. Happy cooking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.