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Quick Fluffy Couscous Pilaf

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A light, fluffy couscous pilaf ready in just 15 minutes, featuring toasted couscous, sautéed aromatics, and fresh herbs for a flavorful and easy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (170g) couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Optional mix-ins: toasted pine nuts, raisins, or chopped toasted almonds

Instructions

  1. Toast the couscous: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add dry couscous and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until light golden and nutty, avoiding burning.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Push couscous to one side, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir to combine.
  3. Heat broth: Bring vegetable or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
  4. Add broth to couscous mixture: Pour boiling broth into skillet with couscous and aromatics. Stir, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and steam for 5 minutes without stirring.
  5. Fluff and finish: Remove lid, fluff couscous gently with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley.
  6. Optional add-ins: Fold in toasted pine nuts, raisins, or almonds if desired.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy warm and fluffy. If holding, keep covered off heat up to 15 minutes and fluff again before serving.

Notes

Toast couscous before cooking to prevent clumping and add nuttiness. Use boiling broth for best texture. Do not stir while steaming. Fluff gently with a fork. Adjust seasoning after cooking. For gluten-free, substitute quinoa or millet.

Nutrition

Keywords: couscous pilaf, quick couscous recipe, fluffy couscous, easy side dish, 15-minute recipe, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free alternative

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/quick-fluffy-couscous-pilaf-recipe-15-minute-easy-homemade-guide/