Sweet and Spiced Couscous Delight
Indulge in our Sweet and Spiced Couscous Delight, a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish that beautifully marries the nutty flavors of roasted pistachios and sweet apricots. This versatile dish serves as the perfect complement to any bold and spicy meat dish, such as succulent lamb kebabs or zesty Caribbean jerk pork. Whether enjoyed warm as a comforting side, or chilled as a refreshing salad, it can also flirt with sweet notes as a decadent dessert, especially when topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of milk, or yogurt. Perfect for family gatherings or a delightful brunch, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pistachio nuts or pine nuts
1/2 cup (shelled)
Dried apricot
1/4 cup (julienned)
Couscous
1 1/3 cups (uncooked)
Superfine sugar
1/4 cup (plus 3 tablespoons)
Butter
6 tablespoons (softened)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for sprinkling)
Hot milk
1 1/2 cups (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 315°F (160°C). Spread the shelled pistachios or pine nuts evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Allow the nuts to cool before coarsely chopping them.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts with the julienned apricots and set aside.
3
In another bowl, combine the couscous and the 1/4 cup of superfine sugar. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over this mixture, stirring well to ensure the couscous is evenly moistened. Add the softened butter and a pinch of salt, stirring until the butter has melted and incorporated.
4
Cover the bowl with a dish towel and set it aside for 10 minutes, allowing the couscous to steam and fluff up.
5
Using a fork, fluff the couscous gently and then add in the mixed nuts and apricot combination. Toss everything together carefully until well mixed.
6
To serve, you can present the couscous on a large platter alongside your meat dish, or in individual bowls. For a sweeter touch or a breakfast option, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and serve with a drizzle of hot milk (or yogurt) on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Spiced Couscous Delight?
It is a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish that marries the nutty flavors of roasted pistachios and sweet apricots.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features a combination of nutty roasted pistachios, sweet julienned apricots, and a spiced cinnamon finish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This is a quick recipe categorized as taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
What types of nuts are recommended for this couscous?
You can use either 1/2 cup of shelled pistachio nuts or pine nuts.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting the nuts?
The oven should be preheated to 315°F (160°C).
How long should I bake the pistachios?
Bake the nuts for about 5 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant.
How should the dried apricots be prepared?
The 1/4 cup of dried apricots should be julienned into thin strips.
How much couscous is required?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked couscous.
How do I cook the couscous?
Combine the couscous and sugar, then pour 1 cup of boiling water over the mixture and stir well.
How much sugar is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons of superfine sugar.
When should I add the butter to the couscous?
Add 6 tablespoons of softened butter to the couscous immediately after pouring the boiling water.
Do I need to add salt to the dish?
Yes, a pinch of salt should be stirred into the couscous mixture along with the butter.
How long should the couscous steam?
Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let it steam for 10 minutes to fluff up.
What is the best way to fluff the couscous?
Use a fork to gently fluff the couscous once it has finished steaming.
When do I add the nuts and apricots?
Toss the coarsely chopped nuts and julienned apricots into the couscous after it has been fluffed with a fork.
Can this dish be served as a side?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that serves as a perfect complement to bold and spicy meat dishes.
What meat dishes pair well with this couscous?
It pairs excellently with succulent lamb kebabs or zesty Caribbean jerk pork.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be served chilled as a refreshing salad.
Is this recipe suitable for dessert?
Yes, it can be served as a decadent dessert by adding cinnamon and a drizzle of milk or yogurt.
How do I serve this for breakfast?
For a breakfast option, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and serve with a drizzle of hot milk.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for sprinkling.
How much milk is needed for serving?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of hot milk for serving as a sweet or breakfast dish.
Can I substitute yogurt for milk?
Yes, you can use yogurt instead of milk for a different texture and flavor.
What are the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an easy recipe and a quick meal under the < 30 Mins category.
What is the inspiration for this dish?
The dish is Middle Eastern-inspired.
How should the nuts be handled after baking?
Allow the nuts to cool before coarsely chopping them.
Can I use pine nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of pistachios or pine nuts.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or a delightful brunch.