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Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous with Almonds

Chewy toasted pearl couscous tossed with lemon, fresh parsley and mint, golden raisins and crunchy toasted almonds. A bright, make-ahead side that works warm or cold.

Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Serves
6
Illustration of Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous with Almonds, drawn from its ingredients
Cook's note

Toasting the couscous before adding water gives it a deeper, nuttier flavor. Dress it while it is still slightly warm so it soaks up the lemon. It keeps for 3 days in the fridge, and leftovers make a great lunch with chickpeas or grilled chicken.

Method

  1. Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for , shaking often, until golden. Transfer to a plate.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the couscous and stir for until lightly golden and nutty smelling.

  3. Add the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a low simmer, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and spread on a tray to cool slightly.

  4. Whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper.

  5. Toss the couscous with the dressing, raisins, parsley, mint and almonds. Taste, adjust the salt and lemon, and top with feta if using.

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Lemon Herb Pearl Couscous with Almonds
Step 1 of 5

Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for , shaking often, until golden. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2 of 5

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the couscous and stir for until lightly golden and nutty smelling.

Step 3 of 5

Add the water and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce to a low simmer, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and spread on a tray to cool slightly.

Step 4 of 5

Whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and the pepper.

Step 5 of 5

Toss the couscous with the dressing, raisins, parsley, mint and almonds. Taste, adjust the salt and lemon, and top with feta if using.

All done

Dig in.

Nice work. Log it, and next time you'll see when you last made it.

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