Toasted Couscous with Almonds and Raisins 🍇🥜

Overview:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Toasted Couscous with Almonds and Raisins recipe, a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This dish, which takes only 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, offers a perfect balance of savory couscous, crunchy almonds, and sweet raisins, enhanced with aromatic spices. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish for any occasion, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delectable dish:

Instructions:

1. Toast the Couscous and Almonds:

   • Heat a large nonstick skillet over moderate heat.
   • Add the couscous to the skillet and toast the grains, stirring or shaking the pan frequently, until the grains become brown and fragrant. This process should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Once toasted, transfer the couscous to a plate.
   • Next, add the almonds to the hot skillet and toast them in the same manner, stirring frequently until they become golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Transfer the toasted almonds to another plate.

2. Prepare the Couscous Mixture:

   • In a saucepan, bring the vegetable stock to a boil. Add the celery, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to the boiling stock. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes or until the celery begins to soften slightly.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the celery is slightly softened, add the toasted couscous and raisins to the saucepan with the simmering stock. Stir gently just until the ingredients are evenly mixed.

4. Steam the Couscous:

   • Cover the saucepan with a lid, remove it from the heat, and allow the couscous mixture to stand for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the flavors of the stock and become tender.

5. Final Touches:

   • After the couscous has steamed, add the toasted almonds to the mixture. Using a fork, lightly fluff up the couscous to incorporate the almonds evenly throughout the dish.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

   • Transfer the Toasted Couscous with Almonds and Raisins to a serving dish. This delectable dish can be served hot as a standalone meal or as a flavorful side to complement your favorite main course. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and savor each mouthful of this delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 170.2 per serving
• Fat Content: 1.9g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0.2g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 48.6mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 33.4g
• Fiber Content: 2.5g
• Sugar Content: 5.7g
• Protein Content: 5.2g

Tips for Success:

• Be sure to toast the couscous and almonds separately to achieve the perfect level of flavor and crunchiness.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your preference for spiciness.
• Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite dried fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Serve this dish alongside grilled vegetables or your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and delicious meal option.

With its delightful combination of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, this Toasted Couscous with Almonds and Raisins recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish offers a tantalizing taste experience that will delight your senses with every bite. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this dish, and share it with loved ones for a memorable dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!