Couscous Pilaf

Elevate your mealtime with this aromatic and flavorful Couscous Pilaf, a delightfully simple yet sophisticated dish that balances warm spices, tender vegetables, and a pop of sweetness. Fragrant cinnamon, cumin, and coriander infuse every grain of fluffy couscous with a Middle Eastern-inspired charm, while raisins bring a hint of natural sweetness and crunchy, toasted slivered almonds add satisfying texture. This quick recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for busy weeknights or an elegant addition to your dinner party spread. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, this versatile pilaf pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone vegetarian meal. Try this easy Couscous Pilaf for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, peeled and chopped carrot
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (uncooked) couscous
• 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 0.25 cup, toasted slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons, chopped parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and carrot to the saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the saucepan and bring it to a boil.

Step 5

Stir in the couscous, salt, and raisins. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Toast the slivered almonds in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Set them aside.

Step 7

After 10 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork and remove the cinnamon stick.

Step 8

Stir in the toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(830.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	955.5

Total Fat 58.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 31mg	0%
Sodium 2833.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 19.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 233.7mg	0%
Iron 5.2mg	0%
Potassium 1118.3mg	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: 52.8%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 39.4%