Israeli couscous is a unique side dish that’s easy to make and comes together in minutes. Toasty and chewy Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a great vegetarian side dish that also pairs well with chicken, lamb, seafood or steak. Easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for any gourmet dinner this Israeli Pearl Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts is sure to become one of your favorite side dishes.
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What is Israeli Couscous?
Israeli couscous (also known as pearl couscous, giant couscous or ptitim) is a pasta made from semolina pasta that is shaped into small balls and toasted resulting in a chewy, nutty texture once cooked. Israeli couscous differs from traditional Moroccan couscous as it is much larger and is typically toasted in the pan before adding liquid to cook rather than being steamed. Whereas Moroccan couscous is a traditional dish dating back to as early as the 11th century Israeli couscous was created in the 1950s in order to help feed Israel’s growing immigrant population at that time.
How to Make Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Israeli couscous is quite versatile and a great base to customize with any number of vegetables, herbs, nuts, cheeses and dressings. For this dish I opted for spinach and pine nuts, a classic pairing throughout the Mediterranean that is healthy and delicious.
A huge bonus in my book, this entire Israeli couscous dish can be made using just one pot! Start off by toasting the pine nuts in a medium saucepan until they are slightly golden and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes), remove these from the pan and set aside. Add the olive oil and shallot (Don’t have a shallot? Garlic or onion work just fine) and saute this for a few minutes before adding the Israeli couscous. Be sure to toast the couscous for a few minutes before adding the stock as this adds a ton of flavor. Once most of the stock has been absorbed add in the spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach has cooked down (2 cups of raw spinach looks like a lot but will lose a lot of it’s volume once cooked down). Stir in the reserved pine nuts and you’ve got an easy and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from seafood and chicken to lamb and beef.
If you like this Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
Mediterranean White Bean Salad
Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart with Ricotta
Lamb Burgers with Feta and Mint
If you make this Israeli Pearl Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!
Israeli Pearl Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Equipment
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, or 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 1 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan toast the pine nuts over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from saucepan and set aside.
- Add olive oil and shallots and saute until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the Israeli couscous and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken or vegetable stock, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes or until spinach has cooked down, stir to combine. Serve as desired.
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Jeff says
So simple yet so good. It’s great as a side for salmon.
Fiona Maclean says
I’ve eaten this in restaurants and always wondered what it was and how to cook it. Thank you for a really informative post
Cosette says
I love pearl couscous! So definitely going to make this dish.
Marcellina says
A delicious side dish with a wonderful combo of flavours! This recipe is a perfect way to highlight Israeli couscous!
Gloria says
Love how you have put a toasty spin on this couscous. I love working with this ingredient. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy it.
Kasey says
I love the toasty nuttiness that the pine nuts add. Such a delicious summer side dish.
Toni says
This quickly became a favorite side dish at my house! So good, tasty and easy to make!
Biana says
Looks delicious! A simple and healthy side dish, will go great with chicken.
maryanne says
What a simple and flavorful dish! I added baked salmon to this, and it was the perfect meal!
Anaiah says
Yum! I can eat this couscous just by itself. The toasted pine nuts gave it an incredible flavor!
Julia says
I know this as Giant couscous and with the pine nuts and the spinach, it made a really lovely side dish. It was so quick and easy. We’ll be having this again.
Renee says
Used garlic butter instead of Olive Oil (as a replacement since I was out). Was surprised how good it tasted. Added diced chicken for a one pan meal.
Brianna says
Love the addition of chicken to round out the meal
Courtney says
I didn’t use the pine nuts, but this recipe is simple and amazing!!! I make it all of the time now!
Brianna says
I love it! A favorite quick side for me too.
Ann says
Served it as a side to salmon and it was delicious. I followed the recipe and will serve it again.
Used a fairly large shallot and chicken stock.