Carrot Date Walnut Couscous

Bright, wholesome, and packed with flavor, Carrot Date Walnut Couscous is a vibrant side dish that combines fluffy couscous with the natural sweetness of shredded carrots and dates, the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, and a delicate blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cumin. This 20-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for a holiday feast. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley bring a refreshing finish, making it a versatile dish that can be served warm or at room temperature. Bursting with texture, nutrition, and Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, this quick and easy couscous recipe is a delightful addition to your healthy meal repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium carrots
• 0.5 cup dates
• 0.5 cup walnuts
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Place the couscous in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.

Step 2

Bring the water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

Pour the boiling water over the couscous, cover the bowl with a plate or lid, and set aside for 5 minutes.

Step 4

While the couscous is resting, shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor and chop the dates into small pieces.

Step 5

Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until aromatic and golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly, then roughly chop.

Step 6

Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 7

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 8

Add the cooked carrots, chopped dates, toasted walnuts, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and salt to the couscous. Mix until well combined.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice for freshness.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(776.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1097.2

Total Fat 68.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 31.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 993.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 116.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.9g	0%
Total Sugars 55.1g
Protein 18.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 179.4mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 1367.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.3%

Protein: 6.5%

Carbs: 40.2%