Spiced Italian Sausage and Kale Pearl Couscous Bowl
This hearty one-dish meal is a delightful evolution of a family classic, inspired by my mother's beloved recipe. The combination of spiced Italian sausage, colorful vegetables, and nutrient-rich kale creates a wholesome and filling dish that's bursting with flavor. By swapping traditional couscous for Israeli pearl couscous, you gain a delightful chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender greens and juicy sausage. The addition of balsamic vinegar brings a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the curry spice, making this a comforting and satisfying meal any time of year.
6
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1 (finely chopped)
celery
1 stalk (finely chopped)
carrot
1 (finely chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
bulk Italian sausage
1 lb (removed from casings)
kale
1 bunch (chopped into 1-inch pieces)
chicken stock or water
2 cups (for cooking)
curry powder
1 tablespoon
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Israeli couscous (pearl)
1 cup
Instructions
1
Start by placing the red onion, celery, and carrot into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
2
Chop the kale into 1-inch pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot mixture. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent.
4
Add the bulk Italian sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook until browned and cooked through, ensuring it's well mixed with the vegetable mixture.
5
Stir in the chopped kale and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the kale turns bright green and is slightly wilted.
6
Turn the heat to high and pour in the chicken stock (or water), followed by the curry powder and balsamic vinegar. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7
Once boiling, add the Israeli couscous, stirring quickly to incorporate. Bring back to a boil.
8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the couscous is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
After simmering, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for approximately 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful bowl!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
22g
Carbs
9g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Spiced Italian Sausage and Kale Pearl Couscous Bowl?
The main protein is 1 lb of bulk Italian sausage, removed from its casings.
What type of couscous is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Israeli pearl couscous, which provides a chewy texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The dish includes red onion, celery, carrot, and kale.
How should the onion, celery, and carrot be prepared?
They should be placed in a food processor and pulsed until finely chopped.
What is the recommended way to chop the kale?
The kale should be chopped into 1-inch pieces.
What liquid is used to cook the couscous?
You can use either 2 cups of chicken stock or water.
What spices give the dish its flavor?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of curry powder along with spiced Italian sausage.
How much balsamic vinegar is added?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 9g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 22g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe provide fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 2g of fiber.
How long should the couscous simmer?
The couscous should simmer covered for about 20 minutes until tender.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Start by finely chopping the red onion, celery, and carrot in a food processor.
How long should the finely chopped vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté them in olive oil for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
When should the kale be added to the pot?
Add the kale after the sausage has been browned and cooked through.
How long do you sauté the kale?
Sauté the kale for 1-2 minutes until it is bright green and slightly wilted.
What heat setting is used to bring the stock to a boil?
Turn the heat to high to bring the chicken stock, curry powder, and vinegar to a rolling boil.
Should the pot be covered while the couscous simmers?
Yes, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot during the 20-minute simmer.
What is the resting time for the dish?
Let the dish sit covered for approximately 5 minutes after removing it from the heat.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty one-dish meal.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
It is inspired by the author's mother's beloved family classic recipe.
What amount of olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a family-friendly recipe.
What is the texture of the couscous in this bowl?
The Israeli pearl couscous provides a delightful chewy texture.
What flavor does the balsamic vinegar add?
It brings a hint of sweetness that balances the curry spice.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, water is a perfectly acceptable substitute for chicken stock in this recipe.