Fragrant Spiced Couscous Pilaf (Printable Version)

Fragrant couscous pilaf with warming spices, dried fruits, and toasted nuts. Perfect vegetarian side dish or light main in just 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 1/2 cups couscous
02 - 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

→ Dried Fruit & Nuts

03 - 1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
04 - 1/3 cup golden raisins or sultanas
05 - 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
06 - 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped

→ Aromatics & Spices

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

→ Fresh Herbs & Garnish

16 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
02 - Stir in cumin, cinnamon, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 30 seconds until spices become aromatic and well-distributed.
03 - Add dried apricots and raisins to the pan. Stir thoroughly to coat the fruit in the spice mixture.
04 - Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
05 - Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover tightly, and let sit for 5 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
06 - Fluff the couscous with a fork. Gently fold in toasted almonds, pistachios, parsley, and mint until evenly distributed.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with additional nuts and lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The mixture of sweet dried fruits with savory spices creates this incredible flavor tension that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
  • You can prepare it in under 30 minutes while still feeling like youve created something truly special and memorable.
02 -
  • Toasting the dry couscous in a pan for just 2 minutes before adding the broth creates a noticeably nuttier flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • The pilaf will continue to absorb flavors as it sits, making it possibly even better the next day as leftovers.
03 -
  • Keep a jar of this spice blend premixed in your pantry so you can throw this dish together without measuring each time.
  • If youre bringing this to a potluck, prepare it slightly undercooked and transport it in a thermal container, then add a splash of hot water and the fresh herbs just before serving.
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