Mediterranean Pearl Couscous

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This Mediterranean pearl couscous, with zucchini, tomatoes, pine nuts, and capers, is loaded with flavor and is a fast side dish to make. It could easily be a vegetarian meal on its own.

By TheDailyGourmet
Published on May 14, 2024
overhead view of pearl couscous with tomatoes, zucchini, and pine nuts
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
3
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 3 servings

  • 2/3 cup Israeli couscous

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

  • 1 medium zucchini, quartered and cut into chunks

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped capers

  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes

Directions

  1. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add couscous, and cook until tender, about 14 minutes. Remove from heat.

  2. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, drain couscous thoroughly, and return to the pot.

  3. Meanwhile, heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove pine nuts from skillet and set aside.

  4. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add zucchini; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and capers. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced in volume, 3 to 5 minutes.

  5. Stir in couscous and toasted pine nuts. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce is desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

146 Calories
8g Fat
17g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 3
Calories 146
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 10mg 3%
Sodium 586mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 4g 9%
Vitamin C 27mg 30%
Calcium 68mg 5%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 496mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.