Whole Wheat Basil-Nut Couscous
Not only am I excited to be using couscous, I am excited that it comes in a whole wheat version
Many of you are likely couscous experts while I am a late adopter. Couscous is little bits of pasta that resemble a grain. When added to a boiled liquid and allowed to sit for 5 minutes, the couscous becomes light and fluffy. I made a wonderful recipe with it a week ago (bad photos so I didn’t post it) that I found in Joey Altman’s new cookbook, Without Reservations
I bought a beautiful bunch of basil over the weekend … I LOVE BASIL … and figured a bit of lemon, garlic and olive oil would go nicely with the basil and with the couscous. Since the couscous is so light, I wanted to balance it with a little crunch. Yes, I am a texture whore.
I didn’t have any pine nuts but did have sliced almonds. I toasted them up to boost their flavor and to make them good and crunchy. The outcome is a tasty little side dish that I call Basil-Nut Couscous.
Basil-Nut Couscous
1 1/2 cups water (or stock)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup whole wheat couscous
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup basil, chopped
1 lemon’s zest and juice
salt and pepper to taste
Heat a saucepan and add olive oil, then garlic. Saute garlic until it begins to take on color, then add water. The pan will hiss and sizzle, but don’t be alarmed.
Bring to a boil. Stir in couscous and cover pot. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes. No peeking. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
Stir in zest, almonds, and basil. Add 1/2 of the lemon juice, then taste and decide if you need a bit more.
There are so many possibilities with couscous — what are your favorite ways to prepare it?
Manggy on 10 Jun 2008 at 10:28 pm #
Hey, you’re here! I thought you’d gone on vacation (did you get my e-mail?). Anyway, I’m one of those couscous idiots. The only time I’ve made it was with roasted vegetables and plenty of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. What did you have this on the side of? :)
Peter M on 11 Jun 2008 at 3:41 am #
Allen, this is news to me…and why not…get some fibre in the whole wheat.
I too made some couscous last night!
Ben on 11 Jun 2008 at 6:03 am #
I have never tried couscous before, but I have seen many recipes around the blogosphere that use it. I need to experiment with this ingredient soon.
steph on 11 Jun 2008 at 8:31 am #
OK, the couscous looks great, and so easy and quick.
Um… did you eat it hot or cold?
Fearless Kitchen on 11 Jun 2008 at 9:35 am #
This looks good, which is surprising to me because I’ve always had an aversion to couscous (probably just had a mediocre experience.) The basil and the nuts really do it for me!
Helen on 11 Jun 2008 at 9:42 am #
I too am a texture whore!! Squidgy cous cous and crunchy nuts - yummy! I actually prefer wholewheat bread, pasta etc to white now. I don’t miss it at all.
Patricia Scarpin on 11 Jun 2008 at 2:14 pm #
Allen, I never knew there was a whole wheat couscous. And I love the add ins here!
farida on 11 Jun 2008 at 7:48 pm #
I like couscous a lot. This looks like a great healthy meal!
Christie @ fig & cherry on 16 Jun 2008 at 12:09 am #
I LOVE cous cous too - especially at night when I’m craving pasta but want something that will be a little easier to digest. My favourite additions are semi dried tomatoes, roasted eggplant and feta. Served with grilled lamb it is a meal made in heaven!
abby on 21 Jun 2008 at 10:00 pm #
this looks delicious allen. i’m a big fan of barley couscous - you should try and track it down.
Flug New York on 23 Jun 2008 at 6:07 am #
PERFECT!! Thank you for the recipe. I served it just like you with almonds instead of pine nuts! awesome!!
Chef JP on 30 Jun 2008 at 9:20 am #
First time visitor to your blog— wonderful stuff!
Susan from Food Blogga on 01 Jul 2008 at 2:55 pm #
I love whole wheat couscous too–same delicious taste but with lots more nutritional benefits. What’s not to love?
Julie on 14 Jul 2008 at 4:24 pm #
Yum.
SteamyKitchen on 15 Jul 2008 at 7:19 pm #
wow, i love this photo!