Mediterranean Couscous with Apricots, Currants, and Pistachios
This vibrant Mediterranean Couscous dish features a delightful combination of sweet dried apricots, tangy currants, and crunchy pistachios, creating a sensational side that bursts with flavor and texture. Originating from a cherished recipe in Gourmet magazine, this dish is perfect for large gatherings, serving up to 16 guests. The light, fluffy couscous is accented with aromatic spices and fresh mint, making it a delicious accompaniment for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply as a wholesome vegetarian dish. It can easily be prepared in advance, allowing for easy entertaining and delicious leftovers!
16
Servings
256
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
4 1/2 cups (none)
extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
cinnamon sticks
3 (halved)
ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
coarse salt
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
dried apricot
1 cup (chopped)
couscous
3 1/4 cups (two 10-ounce boxes)
dried currants
3/4 cup (none)
natural pistachios
1 cup (shelled, toasted lightly, cooled, and chopped coarse)
fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
In two 3-quart saucepans, bring half of the water (2 1/4 cups), olive oil, cinnamon sticks, cumin, coarse salt, and chopped dried apricots to a rolling boil.
2
Stir in one box of couscous into each saucepan, then cover and remove from heat. Allow the couscous to stand for 5 minutes.
3
Once the couscous has expanded, fluff it gently with a fork and transfer to two shallow baking pans to cool swiftly. Allow the couscous to reach room temperature completely, breaking up any lumps with your fingers. Note: Couscous can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just bring it back to room temperature before proceeding.
4
Fluff the cooled couscous again with a fork, then fold in the dried currants, toasted pistachios, chopped mint, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
31.3g
Carbs
3.8
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Couscous with Apricots, Currants, and Pistachios?
This is a vibrant Mediterranean side dish featuring sweet dried apricots, tangy currants, and crunchy pistachios with aromatic spices and fresh mint.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 16 guests, making it ideal for large gatherings.
Is this couscous recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a wholesome vegetarian-friendly grain dish.
What is the primary food category for this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Grains.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients include couscous, water, olive oil, cinnamon sticks, ground cumin, coarse salt, dried apricots, dried currants, pistachios, and fresh mint.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, the couscous can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just bring it to room temperature before adding the final mix-ins.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 256 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 3.8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 31.3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What type of oil should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil.
How many cinnamon sticks are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cinnamon sticks, halved.
What amount of ground cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What type of fruit is included in the recipe?
The dish includes 1 cup of chopped dried apricots and 3/4 cup of dried currants.
How much water is needed to cook the couscous?
A total of 4 1/2 cups of water is required.
How long does the couscous need to stand after adding water?
The couscous should stand for 5 minutes after being covered and removed from heat.
How should the pistachios be prepared?
The pistachios should be shelled, toasted lightly, cooled, and then chopped coarse.
What is the best way to cool the couscous quickly?
Transfer the cooked couscous to two shallow baking pans to allow it to cool swiftly to room temperature.
How should I handle lumps in the couscous?
Once the couscous has cooled, you should break up any lumps with your fingers.
What herb is used for flavoring?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint leaves.
What is the source of this recipe?
This recipe originated from a cherished recipe in Gourmet magazine.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is tagged as party food and serves a large group of 16.
What amount of coarse salt is required?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of coarse salt.
How much couscous is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 1/4 cups of couscous, which is equivalent to two 10-ounce boxes.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a delicious side dish or as a light main course.
What are some suggested pairings for this dish?
It is a great accompaniment for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, side dish, vegetarian, gourmet, make-ahead, and healthy recipe.
How much dried apricot should I prepare?
You should use 1 cup of chopped dried apricots.
How many boxes of couscous are needed?
The recipe requires two 10-ounce boxes of couscous.
Does this dish contain any nuts?
Yes, it contains 1 cup of toasted natural pistachios.