Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts and Fresh Parsley

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and nutty Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts and Fresh Parsley. Featuring perfectly toasted pearl couscous simmered in rich vegetable broth, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Golden pine nuts add a buttery crunch, while fresh parsley, bright lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice bring an herbaceous, zesty lift. Enhanced with sautéed shallots and garlic for depth, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or stands alone as a light, satisfying entrée. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired delight that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Rich in keywords like "Israeli couscous," "pine nuts," and "fresh parsley," this recipe is a wholesome, flavorful staple for your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Israeli couscous (pearl couscous)
• 1.25 cups Water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 unit Shallot, finely minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the Israeli couscous and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.

Step 3

Pour in the water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Step 4

While the couscous cooks, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the pine nuts to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Step 7

Once the couscous is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the toasted pine nuts, sautéed shallot and garlic, fresh parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Gently toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(657.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1236.5

Total Fat 53.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1227.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.1g
Protein 31.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 211.3mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 1166.6mg	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: 38.0%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 52.2%