Low Sodium Couscous with Raisins

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful and heart-healthy Low Sodium Couscous with Raisins, a quick and easy recipe that blends wholesome ingredients with bold, warm spices. Whole wheat couscous is infused with the natural sweetness of plump raisins and zesty notes of lemon juice, while a fragrant combination of cinnamon, cumin, and sautéed shallots elevates each bite. Prepared using low-sodium vegetable broth, this dish is perfect for anyone seeking to lower their salt intake without sacrificing flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional slivered almonds for added texture and a touch of elegance. Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1.5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup raisins
• 1 shallot
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by finely chopping the shallot and setting it aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped shallot to the saucepan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the cinnamon and ground cumin, and cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas.

Step 5

Add the low-sodium vegetable broth to the saucepan and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Once the broth is boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the raisins and couscous.

Step 7

Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for 5-6 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid.

Step 8

Fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 9

Mix in the freshly chopped parsley, lemon juice, and black pepper.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind to maintain low sodium levels.

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with slivered almonds if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(761.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	941.0

Total Fat 42.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 252.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.8g	0%
Total Sugars 58.6g
Protein 17.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 210.7mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 1419.4mg	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: 39.4%

Protein: 7.2%

Carbs: 53.5%