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Sicilian Couscous with Raisins and Pine Nuts – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Sicilian Couscous with Raisins and Pine Nuts

Escape to the sunny shores of Sicily with this incredibly fast and flavorful one-pan couscous dish, bringing together golden raisins, spinach, and toasted pine nuts for a perfectly balanced weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 scallions, minced
  • 3 cups (90 g / 3.17 oz) firmly packed fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 g / 0.04 oz) red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups (475 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1½ cups (270 g / 9.5 oz) quick-cooking couscous
  • ¼ cup (40 g / 1.41 oz) golden raisins
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g / 0.07 oz) grated orange zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g / 0.28 oz) chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons (20 g / 0.71 oz) toasted pine nuts
  • To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, shaking the pan often, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Watch them carefully as they burn easily.
  • For a protein boost, add one 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the couscous. The flavors pair beautifully.
  • This dish is excellent served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or picnics. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced scallions and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until it has just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the red pepper flakes.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  6. Stir in the couscous, golden raisins, and orange zest. Immediately remove the skillet from the heat, cover it tightly, and let it stand for 5 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Uncover and fluff the couscous with a fork.
  8. Season to taste with salt.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
  10. Don't skip the orange zest! It provides a bright, aromatic quality that cuts through the richness and truly elevates the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 12gFat: 12g

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