Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley

This Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley is a light, fluffy side dish that’s full of fresh flavor and toasty crunch. It’s ready in minutes and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to roasted veggies, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This simple couscous recipe is anything but boring—each bite has nutty toasted pine nuts, bright fresh parsley, and perfectly tender couscous that soaks up all the delicious flavors. It’s quick and easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and impressive enough for dinner parties or weeknight meals alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Couscous (instant or pearl, your choice)
• Pine nuts
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Olive oil or butter
• Chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)

Directions

this recipe

1. Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add pine nuts and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring broth (or water) to a boil. Stir in couscous, a drizzle of olive oil or butter, and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes (or follow the package instructions).
3. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Total time is about 15 minutes.

Variations

• Add dried fruit like raisins or chopped dried apricots for a sweet touch.
• Stir in crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
• Swap pine nuts for toasted slivered almonds or chopped pistachios.
• Mix in fresh mint or dill along with the parsley for a refreshing twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

What kind of couscous should I use?

You can use instant (Moroccan) couscous for a quick dish or pearl (Israeli) couscous for a slightly chewier texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This couscous holds up well—serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a salad.

How do I keep couscous from clumping?

Fluff it with a fork right after it steams to keep the grains separate.

Can I use water instead of broth?

Absolutely! Broth adds extra flavor, but water works fine.

What does toasting the pine nuts do?

Toasting brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—just use vegetable broth and olive oil instead of butter.

What goes well with this couscous?

It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, lamb, or roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze couscous?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it in a pinch—just thaw and reheat with a splash of broth.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Stir in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or roasted veggies for more texture.

How do I add more flavor?

A squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of extra olive oil, or a handful of fresh herbs does wonders.

Conclusion

Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley is a quick, flavorful side dish that elevates any meal with its fresh herbs and nutty crunch. Light, fluffy, and endlessly versatile, it’s a staple recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

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