Ina Garten’s Zesty Curried Couscous Recipe – Simply Divine

Curried couscous represents a vibrant culinary adventure that transforms ordinary grains into an extraordinary meal experience.

Mediterranean influences dance through this delectable dish, bringing warmth and complexity to your plate.

Aromatic spices whisper tales of distant markets and sun-drenched landscapes.

Bold curry powder infuses each grain with a rich, golden hue that signals incredible flavor waiting to unfold.

Textural elements like crunchy almonds and tender vegetables create a symphony of sensations that delight the palate.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this recipe bridges comfort and excitement in one remarkable preparation.

Prepare to elevate your meal with a side that sparks conversation and curiosity:

Why Curried Couscous Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Savor Instant Flavor Fusion: This recipe transforms simple couscous into a vibrant, globally-inspired dish with minimal effort, blending warm curry spices and fresh ingredients for an explosive taste experience.
• Enjoy Speedy Culinary Magic: Prepare a gourmet-style side dish in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or quick meal prep with zero complicated techniques.
• Celebrate Texture-Rich Comfort: Experience a delightful combination of soft couscous, crunchy almonds, tender vegetables, and chewy currants that create an exciting mouthfeel in every single bite, offering a satisfying sensory journey.
• Master Versatile Serving Flexibility: Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature, making it an excellent potluck contribution, picnic option, or standalone light meal that adapts to any dining scenario with effortless elegance.

What You’ll Need for Ina’s Curried Couscous

• Couscous: Soft, light North African pasta that absorbs flavors beautifully, quick-cooking and perfect for salads.

• Butter, Yogurt: Rich, creamy ingredients adding depth and smoothness to the dish.
• Boiling Water: Essential for hydrating and cooking the couscous perfectly.

• Carrots, Scallions, Red Onions, Parsley: Fresh, crunchy vegetables and herbs that add color, texture, and vibrant flavors to the couscous.
• Currants: Sweet, tiny dried fruit providing a delightful burst of sweetness and contrast.

• Almonds: Crunchy, protein-rich nuts that bring a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Tangy, smooth liquids forming the base of the dressing.
• Curry Powder, Turmeric, Salt, Pepper: Warm, aromatic spices that create a complex and balanced flavor profile.

How to Make Curried Couscous Without Fuss

Step 1: Awaken The Couscous

Grab a medium bowl and pour in the couscous. Boil water and melt butter into it, then cascade the golden liquid over the grains. Seal the bowl with a tight lid and let the couscous absorb the flavors for 5 minutes. Gently tickle the grains with a fork to create fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Craft A Vibrant Dressing

• Plain yogurt
• Olive oil
• White wine vinegar
• Curry powder
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour this sunshine-colored dressing over the fluffy couscous and fold gently with a fork until every grain is lovingly coated.

Step 3: Sprinkle In Colorful Companions

• Shredded carrots
• Fresh parsley
• Dried currants
• Sliced almonds
• Chopped scallions
• Diced red onions

Dance everything together until each ingredient finds its perfect spot.

Step 4: Final Flavor Touch

Taste and adjust seasonings with extra salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest and reach room temperature, allowing flavors to mingle and celebrate. Serve with joy and watch smiles bloom!

Couscous Tips for Boosting Flavor

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toast the curry powder briefly in a dry pan before adding to the dressing to release its aromatic compounds and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Customize Vegetable Variations: Swap or add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to create your personal twist on the classic recipe.
• Perfect Couscous Texture: Use hot liquid exactly as directed and let it steam covered to ensure each grain absorbs moisture evenly without becoming mushy.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum essential oils for a brighter flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dish up to a day in advance, as the flavors meld and improve when refrigerated, making it an ideal make-ahead side dish for gatherings.

Keeping Curried Couscous Tasty After Cooking

• Meal Prep: Divide couscous into individual portions before refrigerating. This smart strategy allows quick grab-and-go lunches and prevents repeated reheating that can dry out the dish.
• Flavor Preservation: Store couscous in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain its vibrant taste and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Ceramic containers also work well for keeping ingredients fresh and maintaining texture.
• Moisture Control: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture, which helps prevent soggy couscous and maintains its delightful fluffy consistency. Replace the paper towel if it becomes damp during storage to ensure optimal freshness.

Fun Variations of Curried Couscous

• Spicy Mediterranean Couscous: Replace curry powder with harissa paste and add roasted red peppers for a North African-inspired flavor profile.
• Herbed Lemon Couscous: Swap curry and turmeric with fresh dill, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice to create a bright, zesty version of the original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Veggie Couscous: Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese to boost protein content and add extra texture and depth to the dish.
• Middle Eastern Green Couscous: Mix in chopped fresh mint, cilantro, and cucumber, then substitute almonds with toasted pine nuts for a refreshing and aromatic variation.

Recap of the Curried Couscous Journey

Culinary adventures sparkle with Ina Garten’s curried couscous, blending Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspirations into one remarkable dish.

Mediterranean ingredients dance gracefully across each spoonful, creating complex flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Warm curry notes whisper through tender couscous grains, inviting palates to explore nuanced spice combinations.

Complex textures interplay between crunchy almonds, sweet currants, and delicate vegetable fragments.

Seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs elevate this recipe from simple side dish to conversation-starting centerpiece.

Mediterranean magic awaits when passionate cooks embrace these bold flavor combinations – you’ll discover culinary poetry on your plate that beckons friends and family to gather, savor, share, and celebrate this extraordinary recipe together.

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s curried couscous brings Mediterranean flavors with a delightful spice twist. Lemon-kissed herbs and fragrant curry powder create a zesty side dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a culinary adventure you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dry couscous
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• ½ cup dried currants or raisins
• ½ cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Vegetables and Herbs:

• ½ cup small-diced carrots
• ¼ cup small-diced red onion
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

Seasonings and Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• ¼ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup blanched, sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. In a medium-sized vessel, pour the couscous and set aside. Bring water to a rolling boil and dissolve butter completely into the liquid.
2. Gently cascade the hot butter-infused water over the couscous, ensuring full coverage. Seal the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, allowing the grains to steam and absorb moisture for precisely 5 minutes.
3. After resting, use a fork to delicately separate and aerate the couscous, creating a light and fluffy texture without compressing the grains.
4. Craft the aromatic dressing by whisking together tangy yogurt, robust olive oil, zesty vinegar, warming curry powder, vibrant turmeric, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smoothly integrated.
5. Pour the spiced dressing over the fluffed couscous, using a fork to distribute the liquid evenly and coat each grain with the complex flavor profile.
6. Introduce a colorful medley of julienned carrots, chopped fresh parsley, sweet dried currants, toasted sliced almonds, thinly sliced scallions, and finely diced red onions into the seasoned couscous.
7. Thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables and nuts throughout the grain mixture.
8. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, adding additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate the dish’s taste according to personal preference.
9. Allow the salad to rest at ambient temperature, permitting flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

• Crunch adds excitement when almonds transform from pale to golden in a dry pan, releasing nutty aromas.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and scallions burst with vibrant flavors, elevating the entire couscous experience.
• Gentle fork movements separate each tiny grain, creating a light and fluffy texture that feels amazing.
• Tasting reveals hidden flavor potential – adjust salt and pepper to make every bite perfectly balanced.
• Resting allows ingredients to mingle and settle, bringing out deeper, more harmonious taste profiles.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg