Light and fresh, this couscous can be served hot as a side dish for any number of entrees, or at room temperature as you would any other pasta- or grain-based salad. Israeli couscous is a small, round semolina pasta resembling barley or large tapioca pearls. Traditional couscous is much smaller and is soaked rather than boiled; I prefer Israeli couscous for its uniform shape and its firm yet tender texture. Diced roasted red pepper and sweet green peas deliver a pop of color to the pearly couscous. Mildly assertive green onions balance the peas’ and pepper’s sweetness, as do tart lemon juice and its bright zest. Pine nuts, toasted to deepen their flavor, add their crunchy yet creamy texture to the mix.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the couscous and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander.
Step 2
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Stir in the zest, lemon juice, and honey and cook for 30 seconds. Add the couscous, peas, and red pepper and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the green onions, pine nuts, and parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or at room temperature.
