Mediterranean Couscous
Whether you need to add some “zing” to your weeknight dinners or want to bring a fun and yummy “side” to your next picnic or potluck, this ultra-simple couscous dish would be a wonderful choice! Not only does this dish travel well, its festive colors, delicious Mediterranean flavors and pleasing textures create a lovely harmony between eye-popping, tasty, chewy and crunchy.
Yield: about 6 servings
Yield: about 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pearl couscous also called Israeli or “grande”
- 1 cup bottled marinated artichoke hearts drained and quartered
- ½ cup pitted Greek olives halved
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
- 1 to 2 cups sliced grape or cherry tomatoes a mix of red and yellow would be pretty
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt or to taste (use sparingly as olives and feta add saltiness)
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/3 cup toasted pistachios
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together first 12 ingredients. (couscous through mint)
- Gently fold in feta and nuts.
- Cover; refrigerate for about 4 hours to allow flavors to “marry.” Taste; add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve chilled or if desired, heat over low setting until just warmed through. (about 5 minutes) Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: this dish can be made up to 1 day ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator. Use leftovers within 2 days. May be served chilled or warmed.
What is pearl couscous? A larger grain than traditional couscous, it can also be called Israeli or "grande." Pearl couscous can be found in most local supermarkets as well as natural and specialty stores such as Whole Foods. Brands to look for are Marrakesh Express, Bob’s Red Mill, Peloponnese and Trader Joe’s.
Pairs beautifully with: Grilled Middle Eastern Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki, Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken Thighs and Dijon ‘n Herb-Encrusted Rack of Lamb .
