Once upon a time, while wandering through a bustling market in a sun-soaked corner of Morocco, I stumbled upon a vibrant stall overflowing with spices, fruits, and grains. The air was fragrant with the aroma of citrus and fresh herbs, and it inspired me to create a dish that would capture the essence of that lively market. This Golden Citrus Couscous with Pomegranate & Mint combines the fluffy goodness of couscous with the bright flavors of citrus and the delightful crunch of pomegranate seeds. It’s a dish that dances on your palate and brings a piece of Morocco to your table.
Ingredients
– 1 cup couscous
– 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
– Zest and juice of 1 orange
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Optional: toasted nuts (like almonds or pistachios) for garnish
Instructions
Begin by bringing the vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. As the broth bubbles, add the zest and juice of the orange and lemon, along with the olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the fragrant mixture simmer for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once the broth is ready, remove it from heat and sprinkle the couscous into the saucepan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed in the liquid. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the citrusy goodness.
After the couscous has had time to fluff up, use a fork to gently fluff it, creating a light and airy texture. Fold in the pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, and parsley, mixing carefully to maintain the integrity of the pomegranate seeds.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or citrus juice as desired. For an extra touch of crunch and richness, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts on top before serving.
Serve this vibrant couscous warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply enjoyed on its own. Each bite is a celebration of color, flavor, and texture, transporting you back to that enchanting market scene.