Add a Little Interest with Persian Couscous

Brighten up your meal with "Add a Little Interest with Persian Couscous," a vibrant dish that marries the nutty chew of pearl couscous with a medley of warm spices and sweet, tangy accents. Infused with turmeric, cumin, and a fragrant cinnamon stick, this dish boasts layers of flavor complemented by jewel-like pops of dried apricots, golden raisins, and pomegranate seeds. Toasted slivered almonds add satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley and mint bring a refreshing herbal finish. Finished with a drizzle of lemon juice for a zesty kick, this quick and easy side—ready in just 25 minutes—pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a standout meal. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, this Persian-inspired couscous recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 0.25 cup golden raisins
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2

Toast the pearl couscous in the oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant.

Step 3

Add the water, turmeric, cumin, the cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed the water and is tender. Remove from heat.

Step 5

While the couscous cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped apricots and golden raisins, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Once the couscous is done, remove the cinnamon stick and fluff the couscous with a fork.

Step 7

Add the cooked apricots, raisins, toasted almonds, pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and chopped mint to the couscous. Gently toss to combine.

Step 8

Drizzle the lemon juice over the couscous, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with additional herbs or pomegranate seeds if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1089.7 grams (1089.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1896

Total Fat 47.90g	61%
Saturated Fat 6.30g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1266mg	55%
Total Carbohydrate 336.20g	122%
Dietary Fiber 23.20g	83%
Total Sugars 82.60g
Protein 48.90g	98%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 436mg	34%
Iron 13mg	69%
Potassium 2213mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 21.9%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 68.2%