Description
Ina Garten’s curried couscous salad blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors for a refreshing summer dish. Zesty curry powder and crisp vegetables create a light, satisfying meal you can enjoy at picnics or as a quick lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) couscous
- 1 ½ cups (354 ml) boiling water
- ½ cup (75 g) carrots, small-diced
- ½ cup (20 g) parsley, minced fresh flat-leaf
- ½ cup (80 g) currants or raisins, dried
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
- ¼ cup (40 g) red onion, small-diced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp butter, unsalted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, good
- ¼ cup (60 ml) yogurt, plain
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup (30 g) almonds, blanched, sliced
Instructions
- Hydration: Pour simmering water and melted butter over couscous in a large bowl. Cover tightly and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing grains to absorb liquid completely.
- Dressing Preparation: Whisk yogurt, olive oil, white wine vinegar, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Couscous Transformation: Fluff couscous with a fork, creating a light texture. Gently fold prepared dressing into the grains, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Flavor Fusion: Integrate carrots, parsley, currants, almonds, scallions, and red onions into the couscous mixture. Thoroughly blend ingredients, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Serving: Allow salad to reach room temperature, letting the complex flavors meld and develop before presenting this vibrant, aromatic dish.
Notes
- Boost Flavor Absorption: Rest couscous covered for exactly 5 minutes to ensure grains fully soak up liquid and become perfectly tender.
- Master Dressing Technique: Whisk yogurt-based dressing thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated coating that evenly distributes curry and spice notes.
- Prevent Clumping: Use a fork to gently fluff couscous, separating grains and maintaining a light, airy texture before mixing in additional ingredients.
- Elevate Texture Balance: Toast almonds beforehand to release nutty oils and add a delightful crunch that contrasts with soft couscous and creamy dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg