Israeli Couscous With Cranberries And Pecans A La Whole Foods Recipes

CRANBERRY ORANGE ISRAELI COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Place the chopped pecans (or walnuts) in a dry skillet on medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until you can begin to smell them. Keep an eye on the nuts while they toast, so you don't burn them! This step usually only takes 3-4 minutes (to save time, toast pecans while couscous is cooking). Remove the pecans from the skillet, set aside and let them cool.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add couscous, and let it cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once finished cooking, pour couscous into a colander; let it drain. Place couscous into a large bowl. Add the green onions and cranberries.
• Mix together the ingredients for the orange herb vinaigrette in a small container. I used a measuring cup, and simply blended the vinaigrette with a fork, until fully combined. Once combined, pour dressing over warm couscous, green onions and cranberries. Add the dressing while the couscous is still warm, because it will absorb more of the dressing. Stir, to blend the salad.
• Add the chopped pecans or walnuts, and stir to combine. Once all ingredients for couscous are blended, cover the salad, and let it chill in the refrigerator. This salad is at it's very best, flavor-wise, after it has time to chill, and the flavors have developed. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir (to "fluff it up"), then enjoy this amazing tasting side dish or salad!

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CRANBERRY SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over a medium heta in a heavy bottomed saucepan.
• Add the Israeli couscous and stir about 1 minute or until the couscous is lightly browned.
• Stir in 2 cups of stock, cover with lid, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed most of the liquid and is al dente.
• Drain in a colander, but do not rinse. Leave to cool.
• Once cool stir in the remaining3 tbsps olive oil to coast and separate the grains.
• Combine the couscous with the cranberries, pine nuts, spring onions, red onion, cilantro, lemon zest and shallots.
• Spritz with lemon juice and adjust with salt to taste.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH APPLES, CRANBERRIES AND HERBS

Steps:

• For the couscous: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally until slightly browned and aromatic, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 to12 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl and set aside to cool. Add the parsley, rosemary, thyme, apple, dried cranberries, and almonds.
• For the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until smooth. Pour the vinaigrette over the couscous and toss to coat evenly.

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS

Steps:

• Put the couscous in a small pot and add 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20.
• Put the slightly cooled couscous in a large salad bowl along with the carrots, pecans, cranberries, scallions, oil and lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with the spices and salt and pepper. Use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing the couscous and tossing gently to separate the grains. (The salad can be made up to this point and refrigerated for up to a day; bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
• Stir in the parsley and sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning, moisten with a little more oil and lemon juice as you like, and serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH PECANS

Steps:

• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium low heat.
• Add pecans and stir until golden brown. Transfer to small bowl.
• Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until couscous browns slightly.
• Add broth and salt and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.
• Remove from heat and stir in parsley, pecans and lemon zest.
• Season with black pepper to taste.

CURRIED ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES

Steps:

• Film a pan with a bit of oil and bring to medium heat. Toast couscous for ~3-5 minutes, stirring, until couscous is golden. (Optional step but adds a lot of flavor). Add water and bring to a boil. Cover and turn to low so mixture bubbles gently. Cook until liquid is absorbed and couscous is al dente, 8-10 minutes.
• Make the dressing: combine the oil, vinegar, orange juice, herbs and spices in a jar and shake to combine.
• Mix everything but the green onions together, stir and adjust seasonings. Top with green onions & feta.