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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Bring of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan over high heat, then reduce to low temperature.
- Gently stir in the couscous, ensuring even distribution, and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold the warm, drained couscous into the tuna mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated and well-coated.
- Allow the mixture to rest, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to blend flavors and temperatures.
- Just before serving, fold in thinly sliced scallions, torn fresh basil leaves, remaining lemon juice, and an additional teaspoon (5 grams) of salt.
- 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