Couscous Pilaf with Saffron Cream

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Couscous Pilaf with Saffron Cream, a luxurious take on a classic dish. Fluffy couscous is infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander and tossed with sautéed vegetables, creating a medley of textures and flavors. The crowning touch? A silky saffron-infused cream sauce that adds a golden hue and unparalleled richness. Perfectly balanced and effortlessly elegant, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley and optional toasted almonds for added crunch. Whether served as a stunning vegetarian centerpiece or paired with your favorite protein, this recipe is a must-try for fans of Mediterranean cuisine. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small (finely chopped) yellow onion
• 1 medium (diced) carrot
• 1 medium (diced) red bell pepper
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) parsley
• 2 tablespoons (optional, for topping) toasted sliced almonds

Directions

Step 1

Place the saffron threads in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of warm water and let them bloom for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5 more minutes until the vegetables are softened but still slightly crisp.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the cooked couscous to the skillet and gently stir to combine it with the vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the bloomed saffron (along with its water) and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 8

To serve, plate the couscous pilaf and drizzle the saffron cream over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, toasted sliced almonds for added crunch and flavor.

Step 9

Enjoy warm as a flavorful side dish or centerpiece of your meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(904.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1252.0

Total Fat 91.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 152.9mg	0%
Sodium 3527.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 82.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.7g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 18.4g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 200.0mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 1377.4mg	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: 67.2%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 26.8%