Is Couscous the Perfect Side Dish? Spiced Prune Couscous
Is couscous the perfect side dish? In our humble opinion, the answer just might be a resounding “yes”. Need proof? Try this Spiced California Prune Couscous from our friend Nik Sharma!
What is couscous?
Couscous is a North African dish made from durum wheat granules. They are steamed until soft and pillowy.
Is couscous a grain?
Couscous is made from a grain (durum wheat) – but it is actually considered a pasta. Note: your local grocery store probably does not stock couscous in the pasta aisle. Most tend to display it near rice and grains. If it’s not in either location, check the specialty or ethnic foods aisle.
Why is Spiced Prune Couscous the perfect side dish?
We love this super side dish because it is healthy, versatile and ready in minutes! Whole grain couscous is a good source of fiber, and couscous has more protein and nutrients per serving than rice.
What to serve with this recipe?
Nik recommends serving this side dish with fish or roasted veggies. It would also be delicious served alongside a roast chicken.
Spiced Prune Couscous
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp ground chipotle pepper
- ½ cup prunes chopped
- 2 TBSP sliced almonds
- 2 cups cooked pearl couscous
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and chipotle and cook for another 45 seconds.
- Stir in the prunes and almonds and cook for 1 minute, until the prunes start to swell a little.
- Fold in the precooked couscous and season with the salt to taste.
- Add the lemon juice and fold in the parsley.
- Transfer to serving bowl and serve warm as a side.
Notes
Nutrition
Love this recipe for couscous? Try this next
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Lemon-Soaked Quinoa with Prunes and Pistachios
Need more proof that prunes shine in savory dishes? Try this Lemon-Soaked Quinoa with Prunes and Pistachios from Kumquat. We’ll make a believer out of you yet.
Lamb Tagine
California Prunes are the perfect addition to both sweet and spicy dishes. They add balance to Eat the Love‘s Lamb Tagine, pairing beautifully with the exotic spices and cutting the richness of the lamb.
Did you try this recipe? Maybe you’ve got a favorite recipe using California Prunes that you’d like to share with us? Snap a pic and share it on social using #caprunes.
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