Love couscous? Make sure to also check out our recipe for Corn Couscous with Basil, Feta and Lemon.
An easy side dish for your holiday table!
I don’t know why it took me so long to post this recipe! It is possibly my favorite side dish of all time and is VERY easy to make. How easy, you ask? Easier than making rice. And it’s impressive too, don’t you think? Jeweled with nuts, fruit and herbs, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate! I love it so much that I literally eat it by the spoonful before it even makes its way to the table. And while I love it just the way it is, it is easily customizable so you can use whatever you have on hand!
What is couscous?
Despite the fact that couscous looks like a type of grain, it is actually a pasta made of drum wheat semolina that is coarsely ground, moistened and tossed until it forms little balls. It is a staple in North African, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian cuisines, but it has gained popularity all over the world because of how easy and versatile it is. There are three most common types of couscous: Moroccan, Israeli (or pearl) and Lebanese (moghrabieh). The one we are using for this recipe, and my personal favorite, is the Moroccan couscous. It is the smallest in size and it cooks in just a few minutes. You can easily find it in most grocery stores, in both regular or whole wheat varieties.
What can I make with couscous?
There are several uses for couscous. It can be served as a side dish (usually combined with aromatics, spices, nuts and fruit), it can be made into a salad and added to soups and stews.
Ingredients for Moroccan Couscous Pilaf
To make this Moroccan couscous recipe, you will need:
Moroccan couscous Red onion Garlic Butter Chicken or vegetable broth Salt Pepper Parsley Slivered almonds – you use sliced. Golden raisins
How to Make Moroccan Couscous Pilaf
Because the couscous cooks so fast (under 10 minutes), this pilaf recipe is very easy to make and can be on the table in less than 15 minutes! Recommended tools: baking sheet (to toast the almonds in the oven) and large skillet with a lid. Here’s how to make it. As always, you will find the printable (and more complete) recipe at the end of this post!
How to serve couscous pilaf
As I mentioned earlier, this is a very versatile side dish! It goes well with beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb and even fish. I especially love it with braised dishes and stews! Here are some entrées that would pair nicely with this couscous pilaf:
Rosemary and Garlic Roast Beef Glazed Pork Loin Coq au Riesling Pressure Cooker Pot Roast Classic Beef Stew Carbonnade Flamande
Can I make Moroccan couscous pilaf ahead of time?
Yes! This is a great make-ahead dish. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or place it in a saucepan and reheat over medium low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you find that the couscous is too dry, you can add a couple tablespoons of water or broth to loosen it up!
Can I freeze couscous?
Also, yes. Couscous can be frozen and will keep well for several months. Make sure it has cooled completely before you freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or stove.
More side dishes for the holidays:
Jeweled RiceFarofa (Toasted Manioc Flour)Garlic Yuca MashBrazilian Dirty RiceCauliflower GratinBrazilian Creamy Rice CasseroleAnd many more sides.
Substitutions:
Almonds - You can use walnuts, pine nuts or omit if nuts are an issue.Raisins - Not a fan of raisins? Use dried cranberries, figs, cherries or whatever dried fruit you prefer!Red onion - Shallots or yellow onion can be used instead.
Storing leftovers:
Leftover couscous pilaf can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Reheating leftovers:
Reheat the couscous in the microwave or over medium-low heat on the stove, adding a few tablespoons of water if the couscous is too clumpy.
Freezing:
Once completely cool, couscous can be frozen for up to several months.
Moroccan Couscous Slivered Almonds Skillet with Lid
