Fluffy Couscous Elegance: Ina Garten’s Pine Nut Recipe

Bringing warmth and Mediterranean charm to your table, this couscous with toasted pine nuts by Ina Garten delivers a delightful culinary experience.

Nutty aromas and delicate textures dance together in a simple yet elegant dish that promises to surprise your palate.

The carefully selected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a side that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

pine nuts add a rich, buttery crunch that elevates every single bite.

Each forkful tells a story of Mediterranean-inspired cooking with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

The recipe offers a perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet elegance that makes weeknight dinners feel special.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this couscous comes together, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps soften onions without burning.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation with subtle depth to the couscous.

• Chicken Stock: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the couscous with richness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the dish's flavors.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic warmth to the recipe.

• Couscous: Quick-cooking grain that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a light, fluffy base.
• Pine Nuts: Bring a delicate, buttery crunch and nutty complexity to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, herbal freshness and vibrant green color to finish the couscous.

Toasting Tools for Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts

• Large Saucepan: Essential for melting butter and cooking onions, with enough space to prepare the entire dish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring onions and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure chicken stock and couscous for consistent results.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and fresh parsley neatly.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chopping of onions and parsley.
• Fork: Used to fluff the couscous and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Small Skillet: Optional for toasting pine nuts before adding to the couscous.

How to Make Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts

Mediterranean Couscous Delight

• Onion Softening Technique A gentle dance of butter and onions creates a flavor foundation. Melt butter in a large pan, then slowly transform chopped onions into a tender, translucent landscape without browning.
• Liquid Infusion The pan welcomes chicken stock with a burst of seasoning. Salt and pepper whisper their bold notes as the liquid reaches a rolling boil, promising rich taste.
• Couscous Transformation Remove pan from heat, sprinkle couscous across the bubbling surface. Cover and let magical steaming happen for ten peaceful minutes, allowing grains to absorb liquid and become perfectly fluffy.
• Nutty Herbal Finale Unleash a fork to tenderly separate couscous grains. Scatter toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, creating a vibrant texture and bright Mediterranean spirit that dances across the dish.
• Serving Inspiration Present this golden creation as a stunning side or a light, refreshing meal that transports taste buds to sunny coastal landscapes.

Custom Ideas for Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts

• Gently heat pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Watch closely as they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma in just 2-3 minutes.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and create a more substantial meal.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint to transform the flavor profile. Each herb brings a unique brightness and complexity to the basic couscous recipe.
• Prepare the couscous up to a day in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently with a splash of additional stock to restore moisture and fluffiness.
• Elevate the dish by mixing in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese for a more filling and protein-rich meal that works perfectly as a main course.

How to Serve Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts Creatively

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside juicy grilled chicken, succulent lamb chops, or perfectly seared fish to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, add a dollop of yogurt, or drizzle with olive oil to enhance the couscous's texture and flavor profile.
• Transform into a Salad Base: Chill the couscous and mix with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
• Create Stuffed Vegetable Option: Use the couscous as a delicious filling for roasted bell peppers or zucchini boats, adding extra nutrition and excitement to your plate.

Keep It Fresh: Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover couscous in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Revive Texture Easily: Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled couscous to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months for quick meal prep later.
• Pack Perfect Lunch: Portion couscous into meal-prep containers with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a delicious, portable lunch option that stays tasty and fresh.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 6

Herbal Ina Garten Couscous With Toasted Pine Nuts Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Mediterranean couscous with toasted pine nuts brings delightful flavors from Israel to your kitchen. Fresh herbs and lemon zest create a light, refreshing side dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (12 oz) couscous
• 3 cups chicken stock (preferably homemade)
• 2 cups (2 onions) chopped yellow onion
• ½ cup minced fresh parsley
• 4 tbsps (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup pine nuts (toasted)

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Instructions

1. Butter Infusion: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, ensuring a smooth, even transformation without scorching.
2. Onion Sauté: Introduce diced onions to the butter, gently cooking for 8-10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, carefully avoiding any browning.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the pan, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to develop a robust flavor foundation.
4. Boiling Preparation: Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, generating an intense cooking environment for the upcoming couscous.
5. Steaming Process: Remove from heat, evenly distribute couscous across the liquid, and immediately seal with a tight lid, allowing the grains to steam for 10 minutes and absorb the savory essence.
6. Texture Refinement: Delicately fluff the couscous with a fork, creating a light, airy consistency that separates each grain.
7. Final Embellishment: Fold in toasted pine nuts and freshly chopped parsley, introducing a nutty crunch and vibrant herbaceous note to the dish.
8. Serving Presentation: Transfer to a serving platter, presenting a warm, aromatic accompaniment that complements various main courses or serves as a standalone culinary delight.

Notes

• Butter Browning Tip: Melt butter slowly at medium-low heat to prevent burning and develop rich flavor without scorching.
• Onion Sautéing Technique: Stir onions gently for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent, avoiding any browning for a delicate sweetness.
• Liquid Absorption Trick: Cover couscous immediately after adding liquid and let steam undisturbed for exactly 10 minutes to ensure perfect texture and moisture.
• Fluffing Secret: Use a fork to separate couscous grains after cooking, creating a light, airy consistency that prevents clumping and enhances overall mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 15mg