How to Cook Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous)
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5
How to Cook Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous)
Description
Begin by toasting the pearl couscous in olive oil over medium-high heat until it turns golden brown, imparting a subtle nuttiness. Then add boiling water with kosher salt, cover, and simmer gently for about 14 minutes until the couscous pearls absorb the liquid and become tender but maintain a pleasant bite.
The finished couscous is lightly seasoned and can be stirred with fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest for a fresh, herbaceous touch. This versatile base can be used for Mediterranean-style salads, as a foundation for dinner bowls, or mixed into soups to add substance.
Pearl couscous stores well cooked, staying fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a little water. It also freezes well up to three to four months, best thawed overnight in the refrigerator. Note that pearl couscous contains gluten.
Ingredients
- extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 ½ cups water
- kosher salt
- ¼ cup parsley optional, chopped, fresh
- lemon optional, zest of 1
Instructions
- Toast the couscous: In a medium saucepan, heat about 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high until just shimmering. Add the pearl couscous and toss around to toast (the couscous pearls should turn a nice golden brown).
- Boil the couscous: Boil 1 ½ cups of water and add it to the toasted pearl couscous. Season with kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 14 minutes or until the pearl couscous is tender. Remove from the heat.
- Season and enjoy! Taste and adjust salt to your liking. To finish, add the parsley and lemon zest (optional), toss and serve.
Notes
- Store cooked couscous in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water to restore texture.
- Freeze cooked couscous for 3-4 months; thaw in fridge overnight before use.
- Use cooked couscous as a base for salads, dinner bowls, or add to soups for bulk and texture.
- Pearl couscous is not gluten-free, so avoid if you require gluten-free foods.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 1081 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 108.1kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 22.2g | 7% |
| Protein | 3.7g | 7% |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sodium | 7.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 61.2mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 0.02g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 210.6IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3.3mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 12.1mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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