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–+ servings
Pesto Couscous

Savory Pesto Couscous: A Gourmet Side Anyone Can Master

Pesto Couscous is a delightful side dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 2 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Couscous
  • 1 cup Pearl Couscous Moroccan couscous can substitute but be mindful of cooking times.
  • 1 ½ cups Water
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to accommodate dietary needs.
For the Pesto Flavor
  • ½ cup Pesto Experiment with variations like sun-dried tomato.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated will elevate your dish.
  • 1 unit Lemon Zest Lime zest can be an alternative.
For Texture and Garnish
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts Optional but highly recommended.
  • 1 unit Fresh Basil Optional garnish.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Fork
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of pearl couscous. Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  3. Turn off the heat and set aside.
  4. Remove the lid after 2 minutes and fluff the couscous with a fork.
  5. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast ¼ cup of pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, ½ cup of pesto, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the zest of one lemon. Stir thoroughly.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Serve fresh for the best flavor; it can also be enjoyed as a chilled salad.

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