Cranberry-Orange Curried Couscous Delight
This vibrant and flavorful dish combines the nutty goodness of couscous with the sweet-tart taste of dried cranberries and the warm spices of curry. A perfect side or a light main course, this recipe brings together fresh ingredients like scallions, Italian parsley, and toasted walnuts for added crunch and nutrition. With a zesty blend of citrus juice from oranges and lemons, this dish is not only delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. Ideal for gatherings, you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together, making it a fantastic addition to any table.
4
Servings
193
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant couscous
1 (5 7/8 ounce box)
Dried sweetened cranberries
3/4 (cup)
Curry powder
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Sugar
1 (teaspoon)
Orange juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Extra virgin olive oil
2-3 (tablespoons)
Scallions
3-4 (trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle)
Italian parsley
2 (tablespoons, chopped fresh)
Lemon juice
1/2 (freshly squeezed)
Chopped walnuts
3/4 (cup, toasted)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a heatproof bowl, combine the instant couscous, dried cranberries, curry powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2
Bring water to a boil, using the amount indicated in the package directions for the couscous. Pour the boiling water over the couscous mixture, then add the freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir well to combine.
3
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the water and become tender. Stir once or twice during this time for even cooking.
4
After the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it gently with a fork. Incorporate the extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced scallions, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and toasted walnuts. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the couscous.
5
For best flavor, you can prepare this salad up to 2 hours in advance and let it sit at room temperature. Just before serving, check the seasonings and adjust with more salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
6
To toast the walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
22
Carbs
3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Orange Curried Couscous Delight?
A vibrant side or light main dish combining couscous, dried cranberries, curry spices, citrus, and toasted walnuts.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 193 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this dish low in cholesterol?
Yes, it is described as an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters due to being low in cholesterol.
What kind of couscous is required?
The recipe uses one 5 7/8 ounce box of instant couscous.
How do I toast the walnuts?
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 8 minutes until golden brown.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance and let it sit at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
How long does the couscous need to sit?
It should sit covered for about 5 minutes to absorb the water and become tender.
What provides the zesty flavor in this recipe?
The zestiness comes from freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices.
What are the primary spices used?
The primary spice is curry powder, supplemented by salt, sugar, and fresh ground pepper.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used in this recipe.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving contains 3 grams of protein.
How should the scallions be prepared?
They should be trimmed and thinly sliced on an angle.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for chopped fresh Italian parsley.
How much curry powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
Are the cranberries sweetened?
Yes, use 3/4 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
When should I add the toasted walnuts?
Incorporate them after the couscous has been fluffed with a fork, along with the oil, herbs, and juices.
Should the couscous be fluffed?
Yes, fluff it gently with a fork after it has absorbed the water.
What is the oven temperature for the walnuts?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How much orange juice is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is added to the dry mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as a perfect side or a light main course.
Is Mediterranean a tag for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is categorized under the Mediterranean tag.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much lemon juice is added?
1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice is used.
How much olive oil is recommended?
Use 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.