Savor Ina Garten’s Zesty Curried Couscous Recipe Tonight

Cooking weeknight meals becomes a delightful adventure with this vibrant Ina Garten curried couscous recipe that bursts with exotic flavors.

The aromatic blend of spices dances across your palate, promising a culinary experience beyond ordinary side dishes.

Mediterranean influences shine through each colorful ingredient, creating a harmonious mix of textures and tastes.

Warm curry powder adds a golden hue and rich depth to the couscous, making it irresistibly appealing.

Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables complement the tender grains, ensuring every bite feels fresh and satisfying.

Packed with protein and bright ingredients, this dish stands ready to become a staple in your meal rotation.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, transforming simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients List for Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Couscous: Fluffy, quick-cooking grain that creates a perfect canvas for bold flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the couscous during soaking.
• Boiling Water: Essential for activating and hydrating the couscous texture.

• Plain Yogurt: Creamy base that provides tangy depth and smooth consistency.
• Olive Oil: Brings silky texture and subtle fruity undertones.
• White Vinegar: Adds bright, sharp acidity to balance the dish.
• Curry Powder: Introduces warm, complex spice profile with aromatic notes.
• Turmeric: Provides golden color and earthy warmth.
• Salt: Amplifies and balances overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and aromatic complexity.

• Carrots: Introduces sweet crunch and vibrant orange color.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings herbaceous freshness and green brightness.
• Currants: Adds small bursts of sweet-tart flavor.
• Sliced Almonds: Provides delightful nutty crunch and protein.
• Scallions: Contributes mild onion flavor and green color contrast.
• Red Onions: Offers sharp, zesty bite and beautiful purple accent.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Medium Bowl: Perfect for soaking and mixing couscous, with enough space to combine ingredients comfortably.
• Fork: Essential for fluffing couscous and gently mixing the dressing and vegetables.
• Whisk: Helps blend yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, and spices smoothly into a creamy dressing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurately measuring ingredients like curry, turmeric, and salt.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like scallions, red onions, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Helps chop vegetables and herbs with ease and precision.

Cooking Steps for Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Couscous Foundation

Gather your ingredients and a medium bowl. Pour hot butter-infused water over the couscous, creating a steamy environment. Cover and let the grains absorb the liquid, transforming into a fluffy base.

• Flavor Fusion

Craft a vibrant dressing by blending tangy yogurt with rich olive oil, zesty vinegar, and warm spices. Gently fold this aromatic mixture into the pillowy couscous, ensuring every grain gets coated.

• Vegetable Celebration

Introduce a colorful medley of crisp carrots, fresh parsley, sweet currants, crunchy almonds, bright scallions, and sharp red onions. Toss everything together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop. Let the dish rest at room temperature, inviting the ingredients to harmonize and create a delightful culinary experience.

Flavor Upgrades for Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Control the moisture by adjusting the butter and water ratio for softer or firmer grains, experimenting until you find your perfect consistency.
• Toss in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a complete meal with added nutritional value.
• Swap curry powder with harissa, ras el hanout, or garam masala to create exciting international twists that match your culinary mood.
• Prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature before serving for enhanced flavor melding.
• Swap or add seasonal vegetables like diced bell peppers, roasted zucchini, or fresh corn kernels to keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to what's available in your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve this vibrant curried couscous alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp to create a complete and satisfying meal with complementary flavors.
• Create a Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the couscous with hummus, tzatziki, olives, and pita bread for a colorful and diverse spread perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Pack for Picnic or Lunch: This versatile dish travels beautifully and makes an excellent cold salad for outdoor meals, work lunches, or potluck gatherings. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or mint on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh dimension and enhance the dish's visual appeal.

How to Store Ina Garten Curried Couscous

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the curried couscous in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare the couscous base and vegetables separately, storing them in different containers to prevent soggy ingredients. Combine just before serving for maximum crunch and taste.
• Smart Serving Tips: Enjoy this dish cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches during busy workweeks. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• Revive Leftovers: If the couscous becomes dry, add a splash of olive oil or yogurt and mix gently to restore moisture and refresh the flavors. Avoid reheating to keep the ingredients crisp and vibrant.

Vibrant Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s curried couscous recipe blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors with aromatic spices. Culinary enthusiasts will savor each delightful bite of this quick, elegant side dish that comes together in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups dry couscous
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup dried currants or raisins
• ½ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup blanched, sliced almonds
• ½ cup small-diced carrots
• ¼ cup small-diced red onion
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp curry powder
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Couscous Preparation: Submerge couscous in boiling water with melted butter, covering completely and allowing to steam for 5 minutes until grains absorb liquid.
2. Flavor Infusion: Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, curry powder, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant, aromatic dressing.
3. Textural Enhancement: Fluff couscous with a fork, then drizzle prepared dressing, ensuring each grain receives thorough coating.
4. Ingredient Integration: Fold in julienned carrots, chopped parsley, dried currants, toasted almonds, scallions, and red onions, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors and textures evenly.
5. Final Refinement: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, then let the couscous salad rest at room temperature to allow flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Steaming Technique: Cover couscous immediately after pouring hot water to trap steam, ensuring perfectly hydrated and fluffy grains without becoming mushy.
• Flavor Infusion: Let the dressed couscous sit for 15-30 minutes at room temperature to allow spices and dressing to deeply penetrate and enhance overall taste profile.
• Textural Balance: Toast almonds beforehand to release natural oils and create a crisp, nutty contrast against soft couscous and tender vegetables.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Swap dried currants with raisins or chopped apricots, and adjust nut varieties based on personal preference or pantry availability for creative variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg