Mediterranean Couscous with Pine Nuts and Preserved Lemon
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Mediterranean Couscous infused with the rich flavors of toasted pine nuts and the zesty tang of preserved lemon. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also boasts a delightful mix of textures and aromas, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a refreshing vegetarian option on its own. Each fluffy grain of couscous is complemented by sweet caramelized onions and garnished with fresh parsley, providing a burst of color and flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those who crave a taste of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen.
6
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
couscous
2 cups (uncooked)
water
2 cups (boiling)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
pine nuts
1 cup (toasted)
preserved lemon
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large, shallow pan, add the uncooked couscous to the bottom.
2
In a separate pot, bring water to a gentle simmer and carefully pour it over the couscous, ensuring all grains are submerged.
3
Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
4
While the couscous is steaming, melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions.
5
Season the onions with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
6
Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps. Carefully fold in the sautéed onions, toasted pine nuts, finely chopped preserved lemon, and fresh parsley.
7
Mix gently until everything is well combined, and then serve immediately. Enjoy your Mediterranean Couscous warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
50g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Couscous with Pine Nuts and Preserved Lemon?
It is a vibrant, quick-to-prepare side dish featuring fluffy couscous, toasted pine nuts, tangy preserved lemon, and caramelized onions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
How long does it take to make this dish?
The dish can be prepared and ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include couscous, water, butter, onion, salt, black pepper, pine nuts, preserved lemon, and fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat does one serving contain?
Each serving contains about 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 50 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you prepare the couscous grains?
Place the uncooked couscous in a pan, pour boiling water over it, cover tightly, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
What is the role of preserved lemon in this recipe?
Preserved lemon adds a unique, zesty, and salty tang that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I use something other than water to cook the couscous?
Yes, you can substitute the water with chicken or vegetable broth for more depth of flavor.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for toasted pine nuts to add a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but you should adjust the amount of added salt to avoid over-seasoning.
What kind of onion is best for this dish?
Finely chopped yellow or white onions are best as they soften and caramelize nicely in butter.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from wheat and contains gluten.
Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used instead of butter to make the dish dairy-free or vegan.
How do I fluff the couscous?
After the couscous has absorbed the water, use a fork to gently rake through the grains to separate them.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, it is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or cold as a salad.
What can I use if I cannot find preserved lemons?
You can use a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of extra salt, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What proteins pair well with this side dish?
It pairs excellently with grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or sautéed shrimp.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Roasted red peppers, chickpeas, or baby spinach would be excellent additions.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features fluffy grains of couscous contrasted with crunchy toasted pine nuts and soft sautéed onions.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is flavorful but not spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you want heat.
How much preserved lemon is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped preserved lemon.
Can I use a different nut if I don't have pine nuts?
Yes, slivered almonds or chopped walnuts are great alternatives for providing crunch.
What type of parsley should be used?
Fresh flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is recommended for its bright flavor and color.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and serve it at room temperature, making it great for meal prep.
How much onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of finely chopped onion.