Middle Eastern Easy

Couscous with Dates and Pistachios

Name: Couscous with Dates and Pistachios
Prep time: PT10MINUTES
Cook time: PT5MINUTES
Total time: PT15MINUTES
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup dates (pitted and chopped); 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated); 1/2 tsp ground cardamom; 1 cup couscous; 1 1/4 cups water; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup pistachios (coarsely chopped and toasted); 3 tbsp fresh cilantro (minced); 2 tsp lemon juice

A fragrant, jewel-toned side dish balanced with bright lemon and crunchy nuts.

middle-easternvegetarianquickweeknightside-dish

— (0 ratings)

⏱️ 15 minutes 10 minutes prep · 5 minutes cook

🍽️ 4 Serves

430 Calories

8g Protein

58g Carbs

21g Fat

Why This Recipe Works

The sweetness of dates and the warmth of cardamom transform standard couscous into a complex side dish. Sautéing the ginger and spices in butter before adding the water ensures the flavors are deeply infused into every grain.

Instructions

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and cardamom and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

💡 The butter should be bubbling but not browning before you add the aromatics.

Stir in the couscous, dates, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the couscous is lightly toasted and smells nutty, about 2 minutes.

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Immediately remove the pan from the heat, cover tightly with a lid, and let sit until the liquid is fully absorbed and the grains are tender, about 5 minutes.

Fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the toasted pistachios, cilantro, and lemon juice. Serve warm.