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!

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH DRIED CRANBERRIES AND PECANS

Steps:

• Toast the pecans in a shallow pan in a preheated 350-degree oven until very fragrant, about 7 minutes.
• Set aside to cool.
• Place the couscous, cranberries, and turmeric in a large bowl.
• Pour in the boiling water, stir, then cover the bowl with a large plate or foil.
• Let sit for 10 minutes.
• Remove the cover, then fluff the couscous with a fork.
• Cover again and let sit 5 more minutes.
• Stir in the pecans, peas, scallions, cucumbers, and basil.
• Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake vigorously.
• Pour over the couscous.

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.

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.

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.

ORANGE CRANBERRY COUSCOUS LIKE WHOLE FOODS'

Steps:

• In a sauce pot, bring the orange juice, water, first 2 teaspoons olive oil and grated ginger to a boil
• Add the couscous and stir well, cover and allow to reconstitute for 10-15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir together the dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, almond slivers and chopped parsley.
• Add the fruit mixture to the couscous and stir together.
• Top with the final teaspoon of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.