Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our delectable Couscous with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of pearl couscous with the bold and savory Mediterranean flavors of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and shallots. It’s a delightful, aromatic, and visually appealing recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a flavorful side. Follow our simple steps to create a Mediterranean masterpiece that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
Before we embark on our culinary journey, let’s gather all the essential ingredients for our Couscous with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup diced fresh flat-leaf parsley
INSTRUCTIONS:
Now, let’s follow these step-by-step instructions to create our flavorful Couscous with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Prepare the Couscous: In a large saucepan, combine the vegetable broth, water, pearl couscous, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure the couscous is evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Couscous: Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the couscous simmer for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The couscous should absorb the liquid and become tender. Once done, remove it from heat.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them for about 1 minute or until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer the pine nuts to a plate and set them aside.
- Prepare the Flavorful Sauce: In the same pan used for toasting the pine nuts, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and shallot. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
- Incorporate Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: To the sautéed garlic and shallot, add the sliced black olives and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to combine beautifully.
- Add Vegetable Broth: Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth to the pan, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring the sauce becomes infused with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
- Combine Couscous and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked couscous in a serving bowl. Gently mix the couscous and sauce together, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the diced fresh flat-leaf parsley over the couscous. Then, garnish with the toasted pine nuts, adding both a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to the dish.
- Enjoy: Your Couscous with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is ready to be savored. Serve it hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Our Couscous with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful journey to the Mediterranean, bringing together the richness of pearl couscous with the bold and savory notes of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is perfect for those seeking a delicious and visually appealing addition to their dining experience. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a delightful side, this recipe showcases the aromatic and bold flavors of the Mediterranean, making it a memorable and satisfying meal for all occasions. Bon appétit!
