The Best Barefoot Contessa Couscous With Pine Nuts Recipe Ever

Barefoot contessa couscous brings Mediterranean magic to your dinner table with its delightful blend of textures and subtle nuances.

Tiny golden grains promise a culinary adventure that transcends ordinary side dishes.

Shimmering with buttery undertones, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Pine nuts add a luxurious crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Currants whisper sweet complexity against the neutral canvas of delicate grains.

Each forkful tells a story of simple ingredients dancing together in perfect harmony.

The dish radiates warmth and comfort without overwhelming your palate: prepare to fall in love.

Enjoy Couscous with Pine Nuts

• Elevate Simple Grains: This couscous recipe transforms an ordinary grain into a gourmet side dish with minimal effort, blending rich butter-sautéed shallots and toasted pine nuts for maximum flavor impact.
• Quick Culinary Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy side in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute dinner party solutions that look and taste impressively sophisticated.
• Texture Party in Your Mouth: Enjoy a delightful combination of soft, fluffy couscous with crunchy pine nuts and sweet currants, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and delicious.
• Versatile Flavor Booster: Easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite herbs, making it an adaptable side dish that complements various main courses from roasted meats to grilled vegetables.

Essential Picks for Couscous with Pine Nuts

Main Ingredients:

• Couscous: Classic North African grain with a light, fluffy texture perfect for absorbing flavors.

• Shallots: Delicate onion variety with a mild, sweet taste that adds depth to the dish.
• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid base that infuses the couscous with savory undertones and moisture.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps sauté shallots smoothly.
• Pine Nuts: Buttery, delicate nuts that add crunch and subtle nutty taste.
• Currants: Small, sweet dried fruits that bring a gentle sweetness and textural contrast.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that introduces brightness and green color to the final dish.

• Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and mild spiciness to complement other ingredients.

Easy Steps for Couscous with Pine Nuts

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Melt butter in a spacious saucepan over gentle heat. Add finely chopped shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Enhance Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken stock into the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a flavorful liquid base for the couscous.

Step 3: Infuse Couscous

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle couscous into the hot liquid. Cover the pan immediately and let it rest, allowing the grains to absorb the rich flavors and become tender.

Step 4: Create Vibrant Finish

• Pine nuts
• Dried currants
• Fresh parsley

Use a fork to fluff the grains, ensuring each bite is light and perfectly mixed. Serve the dish warm, showcasing the beautiful blend of textures and flavors.

Pro Hints for Couscous with Pine Nuts

• Boost Liquid Temperature: Hot stock ensures even absorption, creating light and airy couscous with perfect texture.
• Steam Sealing Technique: Immediate pan covering traps moisture, guaranteeing soft and tender couscous grains.
• Nutty Flavor Enhancement: Carefully toasting pine nuts in a dry skillet releases deep, rich flavors and adds delightful crunch.
• Gentle Grain Separation: Carefully using a fork prevents clumping and maintains the delicate couscous structure.
• Final Flavor Balancing: Tasting after fluffing allows precise seasoning adjustments with salt, pepper, or bright lemon juice.

Fresh Storage for Couscous with Pine Nuts

• Cool Down First: Allow couscous to reach room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture. Rapid cooling prevents bacteria growth and preserves the delicate grain structure.
• Seal Tightly: Transfer couscous into a glass or hard plastic container with a secure, airtight lid. Minimize air exposure to prevent moisture buildup and preserve freshness. Transparent containers help you track storage time and ingredient condition.
• Freeze Option: Freeze couscous in single-serving portions for convenient future meals. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Consume within 2-3 months for best quality, thawing gradually in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creative Variations for Couscous with Pine Nuts

• Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Enhance the couscous with roasted red peppers, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Moroccan Style: Add ground cumin, turmeric, and a pinch of harissa paste to create a warm, aromatic North African-inspired side dish with a subtle kick.
• Herb Garden Blend: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh mint, basil, and chives to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous flavor profile that brightens the entire dish.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in grilled chicken, toasted almonds, and dried apricots to transform the couscous into a complete and satisfying main course meal with added texture and nutrition.

Thoughts on Couscous with Pine Nuts

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s delightful couscous dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each delicate grain.

Pine nuts provide elegant crunch while currants add sweet complexity.

Parsley brings fresh herbal notes that elevate this simple side dish.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe connects home cooks with global cuisine.

Scroll down, share this treasure, spark conversation – you know friends will want this delectable recipe that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Barefoot Contessa Couscous With Pine Nuts Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired couscous brings Israeli flavors to your table with delightful pine nut crunch. Herb-infused grains perfectly complement roasted vegetables, creating a simple yet elegant side dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 260g (9.2 ounces) couscous
• 700 milliliters (23.7 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 75g (2.6 ounces) toasted pine nuts

Secondary Ingredients:

• 55g (1.9 ounces) unsalted butter
• 3–4 shallots, finely chopped (about 75g / 0.75 cup)
• 40g (1.4 ounces) currants

Seasoning and Herbs:

• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

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Instructions

1. In a spacious saucepan, gently melt of butter over medium-low heat, creating a smooth, golden base for sautéing.
2. Add finely chopped shallots to the melted butter, stirring occasionally and cooking for approximately 3 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and release a delicate, sweet aroma.
3. Carefully pour the chicken stock into the pan, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Increase the heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil, allowing the stock to reach a vigorous, bubbling state.
5. Remove the pan from the heat source and immediately introduce the couscous, ensuring even distribution throughout the liquid.
6. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, creating a sealed environment that allows the couscous to steam and absorb the flavorful stock.
7. Let the covered pan rest undisturbed for precisely 10 minutes, allowing the couscous to fully hydrate and become tender.
8. After resting, uncover the pan and gently fluff the couscous using a fork, separating the grains and creating a light, airy texture.
9. Incorporate toasted pine nuts, dried currants, and freshly chopped parsley, mixing them delicately to distribute the ingredients evenly.
10. Serve the couscous immediately while warm, presenting a fragrant and colorful side dish that celebrates Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Skip aluminum cookware as cast iron or stainless steel pans distribute heat more evenly when toasting pine nuts.
• Consider roasting pine nuts in small batches to prevent burning and ensure consistent golden color.
• Remove pine nuts from heat immediately when they turn golden brown to stop potential bitter flavor development.
• Watch pine nuts closely during toasting since they can quickly transition from perfectly golden to burnt.
• Shake the pan frequently while toasting to promote even browning and prevent scorching.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg