Spicy Chorizo and Zesty Lemon Couscous Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Spicy Chorizo and Zesty Lemon Couscous Delight. This eye-catching dish features perfectly cooked Israeli couscous, toasty golden from the pan, combined with deliciously spiced chorizo that brings a satisfying kick to every bite. Fresh preserves of lemon add a unique zing, while fragrant herbs like chives and parsley elevate the dish to new heights. Perfect as a side or a light main course, this recipe is bound to impress at dinner parties or casual gatherings alike. Then, with just a few basic ingredients, you can prepare homemade preserved lemons that will transform how you flavor your dishes, adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Israeli couscous
1 cup (toasted)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Chorizo sausage
4 ounces (diced)
Shallot
1 (finely diced)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Preserved lemon peel
from 1 lemon (finely chopped)
Fresh chives
1 handful (finely chopped)
Fresh parsley
1 handful (finely chopped)
Lemons
8 (for preserving)
Coarse salt
3 cups
Fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups
Peppercorns
1 tablespoon
Fresh kaffir lime leaves
4
Instructions
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1. Begin by preparing the preserved lemons in advance. Wash the lemons thoroughly, then cut each lemon lengthwise into quarters, ensuring they remain whole. Place them in a sterilized jar, and add coarse salt, fresh lemon juice, whole peppercorns, and kaffir lime leaves, mixing thoroughly. Top off with more lemon juice to cover all the lemons. Seal the jar and refrigerate, stirring every few days. Allow them to cure for at least one week before using.
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2. To make the couscous, heat a saucepan over medium heat and toast the Israeli couscous until it turns golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, add 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt to the pan, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
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3. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s almost crispy. Stir in the shallot and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until softened. Follow with minced garlic and the finely chopped preserved lemon peel until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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4. Combine the cooked couscous with the chorizo mixture in the skillet, gently mixing all ingredients together. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top. Toss with the finely chopped chives and parsley, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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5. Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Spicy Chorizo and Zesty Lemon Couscous Delight.
What is the main grain used in this recipe?
The main grain used is Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous.
How do I prepare the Israeli couscous?
Toast the couscous in a saucepan until golden brown, then add water and salt, cover, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
How long does it take to make the preserved lemons?
The lemons need to cure in a sterilized jar for at least one week before they are ready to use.
What ingredients are needed to preserve the lemons?
You will need 8 lemons, 3 cups of coarse salt, 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of peppercorns, and 4 fresh kaffir lime leaves.
How should I cut the lemons for preserving?
Wash them thoroughly and cut each lemon lengthwise into quarters, ensuring the quarters remain attached or whole.
How do I store the lemons while they are curing?
Store them in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and stir or shake the jar every few days.
How much chorizo is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of diced chorizo sausage.
How long should I sauté the chorizo?
Sauté the diced chorizo for about 3 minutes until it becomes almost crispy.
What type of onion is used in this dish?
The recipe uses one finely diced shallot.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the shallots have softened, and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Which part of the preserved lemon is used in the final dish?
Only the finely chopped preserved lemon peel is used in the skillet mixture.
What fresh herbs are added to the couscous?
A handful each of finely chopped fresh chives and fresh parsley are added at the end.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between sautéing and drizzling at the end.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the combination of chorizo and zesty lemon provides a spicy kick and vibrant flavor profile.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as either a light main course or a side dish.
What is the texture of toasted Israeli couscous?
Toasting the couscous gives it a golden color and a slightly nutty, firm texture.
How much water is needed to cook 1 cup of Israeli couscous?
You will need 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of Israeli couscous.
What should I do after the couscous is cooked?
Remove it from the heat and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the pearls.
Do I need to peel the lemons before preserving?
No, the lemons are preserved whole with their skins on; the peel is what is eventually eaten.
What kind of salt is best for preserving lemons?
The recipe specifies using coarse salt for the preservation process.
Are kaffir lime leaves necessary?
They are included in the preservation jar to add a unique fragrance, but can be omitted if unavailable.
When do I add the final drizzle of olive oil?
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dish just before serving.
How many lemons are used for the juice in the preservation jar?
You need approximately 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice, which is added to the jar of 8 lemons.
Can I make this dish without the preserved lemons?
While the preserved lemons provide a unique Mediterranean zing, you could use fresh lemon zest in a pinch, though the flavor will differ.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The specific serving count is not listed, but 1 cup of couscous typically serves 2 to 4 people as a side.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include chorizo, couscous, preserved lemon, mediterranean, quick meal, herbs, spicy, and easy recipe.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe calls for the garlic clove to be minced.
What should I season the final dish with?
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the dish warm to enjoy the full burst of flavors.