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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Butter Infusion: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, ensuring a smooth, even transformation without scorching.
- Onion Sauté: Introduce diced onions to the butter, gently cooking for 8-10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, carefully avoiding any browning.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the pan, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to develop a robust flavor foundation.
- Boiling Preparation: Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, generating an intense cooking environment for the upcoming couscous.
- 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.
- Texture Refinement: Delicately fluff the couscous with a fork, creating a light, airy consistency that separates each grain.
- Final Embellishment: Fold in toasted pine nuts and freshly chopped parsley, introducing a nutty crunch and vibrant herbaceous note to the dish.
- 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