THE PERFECT FALL SIDE DISH: COUSCOUS WITH PINENUTS AND CRAISINS
Fall is great and all, but what's even better is fall dishes. I mean you get to have pumpkin ANYTHING, apple cider, and yes of course, delicious squash dishes! Couscous may not be one of the first things that come to your mind when thinking about the foods of fall, but after you make this recipe I think you'll add it to the top of the list. This side dish is great for many reasons but what I really love about it is that it's healthy and the leftovers make for the perfect lunch. Let's get to it shall we?
Start by gathering all of your ingredients. The couscous box directions also requires some water (measurement below).
Cook your couscous according to the box directions.
Turn off the heat on your stove and mix in the pinenuts, craisins, balsamic vinagrette, and salt and pepper to taste.
Now doesn't that look lovely? Garnish with some dry or fresh chives on a beautiful platter (this one's from Spain) and you're good to go! Here's the recipe.
Ingredients:
1 package of couscous (I used Near East Couscous with Toasted Pinenuts, but plain works just fine)
1 Spice Sack (comes with the boxed couscous)
1 1/4 cups of water
2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons of sweet balsamic vinagrette
An extra handful of pinenuts (the box comes with some but I would recommend adding about a 1/4 cup more)
1/4 cup of craisins/cranberries
Salt and pepper to taste
Dry or fresh chives (for garnish)
Directions:
1) In a medium saucepan combine your water, olive oil, and spice package.
2) Bring to a boil and then stir in your couscous. Mix the couscous for about 2 minutes.
3) Remove your pan from the heat and cover your couscous and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4) Then mix in your balsamic, pinenuts, craisins, and salt and pepper to your taste.
5) Lightly fluff your couscous with a fork before serving.
6) Serve on a beautiful dish with some dry/fresh chives for a little green garnish.
That was pretty easy right? This dish makes about 3 cups of couscous, which means it's the perfect fall dinner party side dish. Everybody will be asking how you managed to make such an amazing dish in the nick of time (because you totally forgot ___________'s party was today), but don't tell them it only took you 10 minutes! Your secret is safe with me. ;)
xoxo,
Emma :)