***We all need an arsenal of easy side dishes that are exciting but uncomplicated and perfect for busy week nights. Couscous is such a great option because it cooks so quickly, and you can literally flavor it with almost anything. It's like a blank palate that's ready for you to create something fabulous with!
This dish comes from Ina Garten's new cookbook, How Easy Is That? What an appropriate title...don't ya think? I've always loved Ina's fresh approach to old favorites. I use her recipes often, and this couscous recipe is something I'll be coming back to all the time.
The toasted pine nuts add such a wonderful flavor...nutty, fragrant, and delicious! I know that pine nuts can be a little expensive, so I can picture any nut making a good substitute. Perhaps toasted pecans or almonds?
Bon Appetit!***
Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts
Source: How Easy Is That? by Ina Garten
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup couscous
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup couscous
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
Directions:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft but not browned. Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Stir in the couscous and immediately turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and allow the couscous to steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the pine nuts, parsley and lemon juice (if using). Serve immediately.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft but not browned. Add the chicken broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Stir in the couscous and immediately turn off the heat. Cover the saucepan and allow the couscous to steam for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the pine nuts, parsley and lemon juice (if using). Serve immediately.
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