Herbed Mint Couscous Delight with Raisins and Toasted Almonds
Indulge in the fragrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Herbed Mint Couscous Delight, a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or shrimp. Infused with aromatic mint herbal tea, this couscous is a delightful combination of textures and tastes—the sweetness of raisins complements the crunch of toasted almonds, while fresh mint adds a refreshing burst. Ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests, this dish captures the essence of Moroccan-inspired cuisine and will transport your taste buds to a sun-kissed oasis.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 1/2 cups (boiling)
Mint herbal tea bags
8 (steeping)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Couscous
1 cup (uncooked)
Raisins
1/2 cup (none)
Slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted)
Fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, add the 8 mint herbal tea bags and allow them to steep for about 10 minutes to extract full flavor.
2
After steeping, carefully remove the tea bags, and stir in the 2 teaspoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix until well combined to season the tea infusion.
3
In a large mixing bowl, place 1 cup of couscous and pour the warm mint tea mixture over it. Ensure that all of the couscous is submerged.
4
Cover the bowl with a lid or plate to retain the steam, and let it sit for approximately 20 minutes until the couscous absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy.
5
Once the resting time is complete, uncover and fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.
6
Finally, fold in the 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds, and the 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint leaves. Toss well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients before serving.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
12g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Mint Couscous Delight?
It is a fragrant Mediterranean-inspired side dish featuring couscous infused with mint herbal tea, combined with raisins, toasted almonds, and fresh mint.
How many mint tea bags are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 mint herbal tea bags to create a flavorful infusion.
How long should I steep the mint tea?
Allow the mint herbal tea bags to steep in boiling water for about 10 minutes to extract the full flavor.
Is this couscous recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like couscous, nuts, fruit, and olive oil.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 67 calories per serving.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of toasted slivered almonds.
How much couscous is needed?
You will need 1 cup of uncooked couscous.
How long does the couscous need to sit after adding the tea infusion?
The couscous should sit covered for approximately 20 minutes until it absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy.
What ingredients are added at the very end?
The raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped fresh mint leaves are folded in at the end.
How much water is used to brew the tea?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Is there any oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of olive oil are stirred into the tea infusion.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12g of carbohydrates.
How much salt should be added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of fresh herbs are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint leaves.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 2g of fat per serving.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 1.3g of protein.
What is the cultural inspiration for this dish?
The dish captures the essence of Moroccan-inspired and Mediterranean cuisine.
How much raisins are included?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of raisins for sweetness.
What can I serve this couscous with?
It is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or shrimp.
How do you prepare the almonds?
The slivered almonds should be toasted before being added to the couscous.
How do you ensure the couscous grains are separated?
Uncover the bowl after resting and fluff the couscous gently with a fork.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total: water, mint tea bags, olive oil, salt, couscous, raisins, almonds, and fresh mint.
Is the tea infusion seasoned?
Yes, olive oil and salt are mixed into the tea infusion before pouring it over the couscous.
What should the couscous be placed in for mixing?
The uncooked couscous should be placed in a large mixing bowl.
How do you cover the couscous while it sits?
You can cover the bowl with a lid or a plate to retain the steam.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The dish features aromatic mint, sweet raisins, and nutty toasted almonds.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
It is categorized and described as a side dish.
Does the recipe use fresh mint tea?
It uses mint herbal tea bags for the infusion and fresh mint leaves for the final toss.
What is the total preparation time for the couscous absorption?
The absorption and resting phase takes about 20 minutes.
Can I use this for family gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for family gatherings or entertaining guests due to its fragrant flavors and delightful textures.