Quick & Flavorful Mediterranean Pearl Couscous

On May 14, 2024, let's explore this delicious Mediterranean pearl couscous recipe. It's packed with zucchini, tomatoes, pine nuts, and capers, bursting with flavor. It can be a quick side - dish or a standalone vegetarian meal.


Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 5 mins

• Cook Time: 25 mins

• Total Time: 30 mins

• Servings: 3

Ingredients

The original recipe makes 3 servings. Here's what you need:

• 2/3 cup Israeli couscous

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into chunks

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon roughly chopped capers

• 1 (15 - ounce) can diced tomatoes

Directions

1. First, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the couscous and cook for about 14 minutes until it's tender. Then, turn off the heat.

2. Save 1/4 cup of the cooking water, drain the couscous well, and put it back in the pot.

3. While the couscous is cooking, heat a non - stick pan over medium - high heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them, stirring often. It'll take 1 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and smell great. Take them out of the pan and set them aside.

4. Melt the butter in the same pan. Add the zucchini and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, throw in the garlic and capers. Keep stirring on medium - high heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until they smell good.

5. Stir in the diced tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring now and then, for 3 to 5 minutes until the volume reduces a bit.

6. Mix in the couscous and the toasted pine nuts. If the sauce seems dry, add the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Serve right away.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 - calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information might not be available for all ingredients. The amounts are based on available nutrient data. (-) Information for some nutrients isn't available. If you're on a medically restricted diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before making this recipe.