Recipe: Toasted Pine Nut and Parmesan Couscous ๐
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the flavors of Southwest Asia and Europe with this delightful Toasted Pine Nut and Parmesan Couscous recipe. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for busy weeknights or as a side for your favorite main course. With its nutty, savory taste and wholesome ingredients, this couscous dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 cup broth
- 1 cup couscous
- 1/2 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bring water to a boil: In a saucepan, bring the water and broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Add couscous and seasonings: Once boiling, stir in the couscous, butter, and salt. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the liquid and become tender. |
| 3 | Prepare the topping: While the couscous is resting, heat the olive oil in a shallow pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, pine nuts, dried thyme leaves, and freshly ground black pepper. Sautรฉ until the garlic turns golden and the pine nuts are toasted, about 3-4 minutes. |
| 4 | Combine topping with couscous: Once the couscous has rested, fluff it gently with a fork. Pour the warm pine nut topping over the couscous and toss gently to combine, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. |
| 5 | Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the couscous and toss once more to incorporate. The heat from the couscous will melt the cheese slightly, adding a creamy texture to the dish. |
| 6 | Serve immediately: Transfer the Toasted Pine Nut and Parmesan Couscous to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures! |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 227.8
- Total Fat: 6.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 4.7mg
- Sodium: 51.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.4g
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Protein: 6.9g
Recipe Notes:
- Variations: Feel free to customize this couscous recipe with your favorite herbs, spices, or additional ingredients such as roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for added protein.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the flavors.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan Parmesan cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly without compromising on taste.
- Serve with: This Toasted Pine Nut and Parmesan Couscous pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a flavorful side dish for fish or tofu. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal or as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
