Jeweled Cinnamon Couscous

Transform your table with the vibrant colors and bold flavors of Jeweled Cinnamon Couscous—a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired side dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Soft, fluffy couscous is infused with warming cinnamon and a hint of olive oil, then jeweled with sweet bites of dried apricots, golden raisins, and a medley of toasted pistachios and almonds for a delightful crunch. Fresh parsley and mint add a refreshing herbal note, while a drizzle of honey and a touch of lemon zest and juice tie the dish together with just the right balance of brightness and sweetness. Ready in just 20 minutes, this exquisite dish is perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or as an eye-catching addition to your dinner table. Serve it warm, chilled, or at room temperature—it’s a versatile recipe that caters to any occasion! Keywords: jeweled couscous, cinnamon couscous recipe, Mediterranean side dish, quick couscous recipe, sweet and savory couscous.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups couscous
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup dried apricots
• 0.5 cup golden raisins
• 0.25 cup pistachios
• 0.25 cup almonds
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

Step 1

1. Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl.

Step 2

2. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ground cinnamon, salt, and olive oil, stirring well to combine.

Step 3

3. Pour the hot spiced water over the couscous, cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 4

4. While the couscous rests, chop the dried apricots into small pieces and lightly toast the pistachios and almonds in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 5

5. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, toasted pistachios, and almonds.

Step 6

6. Finely chop the fresh parsley and mint, then fold them into the couscous along with the lemon zest and lemon juice.

Step 7

7. Drizzle the honey over the couscous and gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 8

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	878.2 grams (878.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1331

Total Fat 61.60g	79%
Saturated Fat 7.70g	39%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1675mg	73%
Total Carbohydrate 182.00g	66%
Dietary Fiber 21.30g	76%
Total Sugars 91.20g
Protein 28.40g	57%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 374mg	29%
Iron 11mg	58%
Potassium 1753mg	37%

*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: 39.7%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 52.1%