Saffron Scented Couscous with Pine Nuts

Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and aromatic Saffron Scented Couscous with Pine Nuts, a quick and elegant side dish perfect for any occasion. Infused with the luxurious essence of saffron and cooked in savory vegetable broth, fluffy couscous becomes the perfect canvas for a symphony of flavors. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while fresh parsley and zesty lemon peel bring a refreshing brightness to every bite. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines ease and elegance, making it a stunning accompaniment to roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or as a base for a Mediterranean-inspired salad. Ideal for those seeking simple yet sophisticated recipes, this couscous is a flavorful journey in every forkful.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1.25 cups vegetable broth
• 0.25 teaspoons saffron threads
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the saffron threads and stir gently to allow the saffron to infuse into the broth. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium-sized bowl, place the couscous. Add the salt, olive oil, and butter, then pour the hot saffron-infused broth over the couscous. Stir briefly to combine.

Step 4

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.

Step 5

Uncover the couscous and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Fold in the toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and lemon zest, mixing gently to combine all the flavors.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or room temperature as part of a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(523.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	751.1

Total Fat 51.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 32.9mg	0%
Sodium 1080.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.6g	0%
Total Sugars 5.9g
Protein 16.3g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 77.9mg	0%
Iron 4.5mg	0%
Potassium 874.1mg	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: 60.1%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 31.5%