Fragrant Curried Couscous with Raisins and Mint
Elevate your meal with this delightful Fragrant Curried Couscous, a flavorful dish that blends the unique textures of couscous, semolina-based pasta, with aromatic spices. Lightly sautéed shallots and garlic are infused with curry powder, creating a warm and inviting base. The addition of sweet raisins provides a lovely contrast, while fresh mint and lime juice add brightness to every bite. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main, this quick and easy recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed by all.
6
Servings
60
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
shallots
2 (minced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
curry powder
1 teaspoon (none)
low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (none)
raisins
1/3 cup (none)
couscous
1 cup (none)
fresh mint
1/4 cup (minced)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the minced shallots to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until they are softened and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and curry powder, cooking for an additional 15 seconds until fragrant.
4
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and add the raisins; bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Once boiling, add the couscous to the saucepan, stirring briefly to combine, then immediately remove the pot from heat.
6
Cover the pan with a lid and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.
7
After 5 minutes, uncover the pan and gently fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the minced fresh mint and lime juice until well combined.
8
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm or at room temperature as a flavorful side or main dish.
Nutrition Information
1.3g
Fat
11.2g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
1.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Curried Couscous with Raisins and Mint?
It is a flavorful dish that blends semolina-based couscous with aromatic spices, sweet raisins, fresh mint, and lime juice for a vibrant side or light main meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this curried couscous?
There are approximately 60 calories per serving.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients in total.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as a quick and easy recipe suitable for all skill levels.
What type of broth is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How long should the couscous sit after being added to the boiling liquid?
The couscous should sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the liquid.
What kind of oil should I use to sauté the aromatics?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How should the shallots be prepared?
The shallots should be minced before being sautéed in the olive oil.
When do I add the garlic and curry powder?
Add the minced garlic and curry powder after the shallots have softened, cooking for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
What sweetness is added to this couscous dish?
1/3 cup of raisins is added to provide a sweet contrast to the savory spices.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.3g of fat.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 11.2g of carbohydrates.
Is there much protein in this dish?
The dish contains 1.3g of protein per serving.
What provides the fresh, bright finish to the recipe?
Minced fresh mint and lime juice are stirred in at the end for a bright, fresh flavor.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be served warm or at room temperature.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 0.8g of fiber per serving.
Is there a lot of sugar in this recipe?
There is 1.3g of sugar per serving, primarily from the raisins.
Should the couscous be boiled on the stove?
No, you should bring the liquid to a boil, stir in the couscous, and then immediately remove the pot from the heat.
How do you separate the grains after cooking?
After the 5-minute resting period, uncover the pan and gently fluff the couscous with a fork.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, it uses chicken broth; to make it fully vegetarian, you can substitute vegetable broth.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include curried, side dish, quick meal, spicy, easy recipe, and Mediterranean.
What is the primary spice used for flavoring?
The primary spice used is 1 teaspoon of curry powder.
How much lime juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
Do I need to salt the dish?
Yes, you should season with salt and pepper to your personal taste at the end.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the minced shallots for about 2 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
What is the preparation method for the fresh mint?
The 1/4 cup of fresh mint should be minced before being stirred into the couscous.
What heat setting should I use initially?
Start by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Is this a Mediterranean-style dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a Mediterranean recipe due to the use of couscous, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
What is the preparation requirement for the raisins?
No special preparation is required for the raisins; they are added directly to the liquid.