Almond Coriander Couscous

🌾🍽️ Almond Coriander Couscous 🌾🍽️

Almond Coriander Couscous is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the fresh and citrusy notes of coriander. It’s a flavorful side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it:

📜 History:
Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from steamed and crushed wheat granules. It has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries. Almond Coriander Couscous is a modern twist on this classic dish, incorporating flavors and ingredients from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

🧁 Components:
To prepare Almond Coriander Couscous, you will need the following components:

• 1 cup of couscous
• 1 1/2 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup of fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 lemon (both zest and juice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare Couscous: Place the couscous in a large bowl. In a separate saucepan, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, pour it over the couscous, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the liquid and fluff up.

2. Toast Almonds: While the couscous is resting, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them until they turn golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Fluff Couscous: After the resting period, use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps. Drizzle olive oil over the couscous and toss it to coat evenly.

4. Add Flavors: Add the chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) and the toasted almonds to the couscous. Zest the lemon and squeeze its juice into the couscous. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Mix and Serve: Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Almond Coriander Couscous as a delightful side dish.

⏰ Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Almond Coriander Couscous is approximately 20-25 minutes, including the time for couscous to absorb the liquid and the toasting of almonds.

Enjoy your Almond Coriander Couscous, a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for various occasions! 🌿🍋🌰

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Coriander Couscous:

🥗 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1-2g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 1-2g
• Protein: 7-9g
• Sodium: 300-400mg (may vary depending on salt usage)
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Iron: 2-3mg (about 15-20% of daily recommended intake)
  • Calcium: 20-30mg
  • Vitamin C: 5-10mg

🌱 Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: Almond Coriander Couscous contains a moderate amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

2. Good Source of Healthy Fats: The almonds in this dish provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

3. Protein: Couscous itself contains some protein, and when combined with almonds, it becomes a source of plant-based protein.

4. Low in Saturated Fat: The dish is generally low in saturated fat, making it heart-healthy.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: It contains essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, which is important for transporting oxygen in the blood.

6. Low in Added Sugar: Almond Coriander Couscous is low in added sugars, making it a better choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake.

7. Versatile and Balanced: This dish can be a nutritious side to various main courses and is a good way to incorporate whole grains, nuts, and fresh herbs into your diet.

Remember that the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your preparation. Adjusting ingredient quantities can help tailor the nutrition to your dietary preferences and requirements.