Recipe: Basil Pesto Couscous 🌿
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
A vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic dish, Basil Pesto Couscous offers a delightful alternative to traditional pasta. With its quick and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for those seeking a flavorful yet time-efficient meal.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/4 cups | Water |
| 1 cup | Broth |
| 1 cup | Couscous |
| 1/2 cup | Butter or Margarine |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 clove | Garlic |
| 1 tbsp | Olive Oil |
| 2 tbsp | Pine Nuts |
| 1 cup | Fresh Basil |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan Cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 230.1
- Fat: 6.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 4.7mg
- Sodium: 51.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.6g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 7.1g
Recipe Instructions:
-
Bring water and broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat.
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Add couscous, butter (or margarine), and salt to the boiling liquid. Stir gently to combine.
-
Remove the saucepan from heat and cover it with a lid. Let the couscous mixture stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid fully.
-
Prepare the pesto topping: In a blender, combine garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy.
-
Alternatively, you can use ready-made basil pesto for convenience.
-
Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add the blended pesto mixture. Cook until warm and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
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Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
-
Pour the warm pesto mixture over the cooked couscous. Gently toss until the couscous is evenly coated with the pesto.
-
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pesto-coated couscous.
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Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the bright and flavorful Basil Pesto Couscous!
Tips:
- For added texture and flavor, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown before adding them to the pesto mixture.
- Customize your Basil Pesto Couscous by adding additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Keywords:
Southwest Asia (Middle East), Asian, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 30 Mins, Oven, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy
Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors with Basil Pesto Couscous, a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
