Ina Garten’s Perfect Israeli Couscous Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

Israeli couscous transforms ordinary meals into culinary adventures with its delightful pearl-like texture and versatile nature.

These tiny round pasta spheres bring remarkable depth to countless dishes, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional grains.

Hearty and satisfying, israeli couscous absorbs flavors beautifully, making it a favorite among home cooks seeking something beyond standard side dishes.

Each tender pearl promises a delectable eating experience that elevates simple ingredients into memorable meals.

Its Mediterranean roots hint at a rich gastronomic heritage that connects contemporary kitchens with time-honored cooking traditions.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this ingredient adapts seamlessly to multiple cuisines and cooking styles, ensuring consistent deliciousness.

Vibrant and adaptable, israeli couscous invites creative culinary exploration with its unique character and remarkable potential: bon appétit!

Why Everyone Loves Israeli Couscous

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with zesty lemon, briny capers, and rich olives dancing together in perfect harmony.
• Master a Quick and Easy Cooking Method: Learn to create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes using simple techniques like simmering couscous and mixing ingredients, making it ideal for busy home cooks with limited time.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Savor this dish warm straight from the pot or let it cool to room temperature, perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish that adapts to any mealtime setting.
• Experience Textural Delight: Relish the combination of tender Israeli couscous, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables that provide a satisfying mix of soft and crunchy elements in every single bite.

What Goes Into Israeli Couscous

• Israeli Couscous: Small, pearl-like pasta with a delightful chewy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully, perfect for salads and main dishes.

• Tuna: High-quality canned or fresh tuna provides a protein-rich base for the salad, best when packed in olive oil for extra flavor.

• Parsley, Basil: Bright green herbs that add fresh, vibrant flavor and beautiful color to the dish.
• Scallions: Mild onion-like ingredient that provides a gentle, crisp bite and fresh green accent.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and pungent flavor to the overall dish.

• Red Peppers: Sweet, colorful vegetable that brings crunch and bright flavor to the salad.
• Olives: Briny, salty ingredient that adds Mediterranean character and rich texture.

• Lemon (Zest and Juice): Bright citrus that provides a tangy, fresh flavor and helps balance the dish.
• Capers: Small, briny buds that add a sharp, salty punch and complex flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps bind ingredients and adds a classic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Israeli Couscous the Ina Garten Way

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Couscous

Grab a medium saucepan and bring water to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, then gently stir in couscous. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until couscous becomes tender. Remove from heat and drain in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor-Packed Mixture

• Tuna
• Chopped parsley
• Sliced olives
• Diced red peppers
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Capers
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine Couscous and Mixture

Add warm couscous to the flavor-packed mixture. Stir thoroughly to blend ingredients. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

• Sliced scallions
• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional lemon juice
• Extra salt

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Pro Tips for Israeli Couscous Perfection

• Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or lime to create unique taste variations that complement the Israeli couscous.
• Herb Garden Boost: Chop herbs right before adding to maintain maximum freshness and release their vibrant essential oils for more intense flavor.
• Texture Enhancement: Toast the couscous lightly in a dry pan before cooking to develop a nutty, rich undertone that elevates the entire dish.
• Vegetable Variations: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to add depth and create a more substantial side dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the couscous salad a day in advance to allow flavors to develop and intensify, making it even more delicious when served.

How to Store Israeli Couscous Without Drying Out

• Vacuum Sealing: Pack cooled Israeli couscous in vacuum-sealed bags to maximize freshness and prevent freezer burn. This method removes air completely, creating an impenetrable barrier against moisture and potential flavor degradation.
• Portion Control Freezing: Divide couscous into individual serving sizes using resealable freezer bags or small containers. Label each package with the date and contents to track storage time and maintain easy meal planning.
• Refrigerator Recovery: When reheating refrigerated couscous, sprinkle a few drops of water before warming to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Gently stir the grains midway through reheating to ensure even temperature distribution and maintain optimal texture.

New Flavor Variants for Israeli Couscous

• Mediterranean Protein Powerhouse: Swap tuna with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the vibrant Mediterranean flavors intact.
• Vegetarian Herb Garden: Replace seafood with diced cucumber, feta cheese, and additional fresh herbs like mint and oregano to create a light, refreshing vegetarian version.
• Spicy Moroccan-Style: Add harissa paste, cumin, and diced preserved lemons to introduce a bold, warm North African flavor profile that transforms the original recipe's taste.
• Seafood Fusion Bowl: Substitute tuna with grilled shrimp or seared salmon, and incorporate chopped dill and capers to enhance the oceanic essence of the dish.

Israeli Couscous Recipe Recap

Mediterranean magic unfolds through Ina Garten’s Israeli couscous recipe, blending Mediterranean zest with culinary artistry.

Succulent tuna intertwines with bright herbs, creating Mediterranean harmony on your plate.

Lemon’s citrusy whispers dance alongside briny olives and crisp peppers, elevating simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Capers punctuate each bite with elegant complexity, while fresh scallions and basil provide vibrant finish.

Mediterranean traditions shine through this elegant dish, showcasing ingredients’ natural symphony.

Curious souls: grab ingredients, dive into this recipe, share your culinary adventure, and spark conversation with friends who crave Mediterranean delights.

Ina Garten Israeli Couscous Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Israeli couscous celebrates Mediterranean flavors with pearl-like grains tossed in zesty herbs and olive oil. Generous pearls of pasta dance alongside fresh vegetables, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (10 to 12 ounces) Israeli couscous
• 2 (7-ounce) cans Italian tuna, drained and flaked

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 3 tablespoons capers, drained
• ½ cup pitted, oil-cured black olives, coarsely chopped (3 ounces)
• ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, medium-diced (4 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 1 cup chopped scallions (6–8 scallions)
• ¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

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Instructions

1. Bring of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, then reduce to low temperature.
2. Gently stir in the couscous, ensuring even distribution, and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Simmer the couscous for 12–15 minutes until it reaches a tender, fluffy consistency, then remove from heat and transfer to a colander to drain excess moisture.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the canned tuna, finely chopped parsley, sliced kalamata olives, diced red bell peppers, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, lemon juice, briny capers, extra virgin olive oil, of salt, and 1 of freshly ground black pepper.
5. Fold the warm, drained couscous into the tuna mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated and well-coated.
6. Allow the mixture to rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to blend flavors and temperatures.
7. Just before serving, fold in thinly sliced scallions, torn fresh basil leaves, remaining lemon juice, and an additional teaspoon (5 grams) of salt.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve either warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor profile.

Notes

• Chilling enhances the blend of Mediterranean flavors, allowing herbs and dressing to deeply infuse into the couscous.
• Customize herb quantities to match your personal taste, experimenting with different combinations like mint, parsley, or cilantro.
• Fresh ingredients guarantee the brightest, most vibrant salad profile, so select crisp vegetables and recently picked herbs.
• Leftovers stay delicious for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container, making this a perfect meal prep option.
• Swap ingredients like quinoa or bulgur wheat for couscous to create exciting variations while maintaining the salad’s core essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Israeli

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 503 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg