Herb-Infused Couscous with Sweet Apples and Cranberries
This delightful dish combines the nutty flavor of Israeli couscous with the sweetness of diced green apples and tart dried cranberries, creating a perfect balance. Enhanced with the aromatic freshness of parsley, rosemary, and thyme, this recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for dinner. With a touch of maple syrup and tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, every bite is a celebration of seasonal flavors. Furthermore, this dish is versatile, allowing for barley or orzo as substitutes, making it a wonderful addition to your healthy, low-cholesterol meals.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
israeli couscous (or barley or orzo)
2 (cups)
low sodium chicken broth
4 (cups)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 (tablespoons, chopped)
fresh thyme leaves
1 (teaspoon, chopped)
green apple
1 (medium, diced)
dried cranberries
1 (cup)
slivered almonds
1/2 (cup, toasted)
apple cider vinegar
1/4 (cup)
maple syrup
2-3 (tablespoons)
kosher salt
1/2-1 (teaspoon)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 (teaspoon)
olive oil
1/4 (cup for vinaigrette)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Herb-Infused Couscous with Sweet Apples and Cranberries.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as vegetarian, though you should ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, it is vegan-friendly provided that vegetable broth is used in place of chicken broth.
What type of couscous is used?
The recipe calls for Israeli couscous, which is also known as pearl couscous.
Are there any substitutes for Israeli couscous?
Yes, you can substitute Israeli couscous with barley or orzo.
What kind of apples are recommended?
One medium green apple, diced, is recommended for this recipe.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried cranberries?
The recipe uses one cup of dried cranberries.
What fresh herbs are included?
The dish is enhanced with fresh flat-leaf parsley, rosemary leaves, and thyme leaves.
What kind of nuts are added to the dish?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds.
Is the dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, low-cholesterol meal.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe suggests using 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
What are the ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and olive oil.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
You need 2 tablespoons for cooking the couscous and 1/4 cup for the vinaigrette.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar.
Is there a sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup are used to sweeten the dressing.
Is this dish served as a main or a side?
It can be served as a light lunch or as a colorful side dish for dinner.
What is the flavor profile of this couscous?
It combines nutty flavors with sweet green apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic fresh herbs.
How should the herbs be prepared?
The parsley, rosemary, and thyme should all be chopped fresh.
Can I make this dish nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the slivered almonds to make it nut-free.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for kosher salt.
Is the black pepper fresh?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What is the texture of Israeli couscous?
Israeli couscous has a nutty flavor and a chewy, pearl-like texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Can I use red apples instead of green?
Yes, but green apples are preferred for their tartness which balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
How do I toast the slivered almonds?
You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
The recipe uses low sodium chicken broth and a controlled amount of kosher salt to help keep sodium levels lower.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey is a suitable substitute for maple syrup if you do not require the dish to be vegan.
What type of parsley should I buy?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, also known as Italian parsley, is recommended.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, couscous, barley, and orzo all contain gluten.
Does this dish contain any cholesterol?
This recipe is designed to be a low-cholesterol meal option.