Side Dishes > Middle Eastern Grains > Couscous

Arsa-Flavored Couscous Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Saucepan with lid
- Fork

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine couscous, salt, and olive oil. Mix well.

2. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Pour the boiling water over the couscous mixture. Stir well and cover the bowl with a lid. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

3. After 10 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.

4. Add chopped parsley, mint, cilantro, green onions, raisins, slivered almonds, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese to the couscous. Mix well.

5. Serve the Arsa-Flavored Couscous warm or at room temperature.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 230
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- You can substitute the slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pistachios.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese.

Variations:
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the couscous to make it a complete meal.
- You can add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to the couscous.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fluff the couscous with a fork after it has cooked to prevent clumping.
- You can make the couscous ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the couscous, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the couscous in a large bowl or platter and garnish with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and cilantro
- Pomegranate seeds
- Crumbled feta cheese

Pairings:
- This couscous pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or beef.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant
- Simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the couscous is too dry, add a little more water or olive oil and mix well.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover couscous in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from semolina flour. It is a staple food in many countries like Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.

Flavor profiles:
- This Arsa-Flavored Couscous has a sweet and savory flavor profile with hints of fresh herbs, raisins, and pomegranate seeds.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve this couscous as a side dish or as a main course with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

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Taste: Savory, Herby, Aromatic, Earthy, Tangy