Roasted Garlic Couscous with Tomatoes Basil

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Roasted Garlic Couscous with Tomatoes and Basil, a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender pearl couscous, sweet roasted garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. This recipe uses a simple yet elegant technique of roasting a whole garlic bulb to infuse the dish with a rich, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the tangy pop of cherry tomatoes and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. Whether enjoyed as a light vegetarian main or a show-stopping side dish, this 35-minute recipe comes together effortlessly, with the option to add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch. Perfect for pairing with grilled proteins or serving on its own, this dish is as comforting as it is impressive.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
• 1.25 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic bulb
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves slightly. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cloves are soft and golden.

Step 3

While the garlic is roasting, bring 1.25 cups of water and 0.5 teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Step 4

Add the pearl couscous to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water is absorbed and the couscous is tender.

Step 5

Once the garlic is roasted, let it cool slightly. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste using a fork.

Step 6

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the roasted garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 8

Stir in the cooked couscous, chopped basil leaves, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well to combine and cook for 2 more minutes to heat through.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(750.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	747.6

Total Fat 45.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 47.4mg	0%
Sodium 2123.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 55.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.2g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 34.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 993.9mg	0%
Iron 5.4mg	0%
Potassium 1099.1mg	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: 17.7%

Carbs: 29.0%