Description
Exquisite pink beet couscous with pecans blends North African traditions with modern culinary creativity. Nutty pecans and earthy beets create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll savor with each colorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium beet, cooked and grated (or ½ cup beet puree)
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup (45 g) pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (30 g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsps (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp (2 g) fresh mint, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Broth Infusion: Boil vegetable broth in a medium saucepan until bubbling vigorously.
- Couscous Absorption: Remove from heat, add couscous, olive oil, and salt. Cover and let grains soak for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork to create light, separated kernels.
- Beet Transformation: Grate beets and fold into couscous, ensuring the grains are completely saturated with a vibrant pink hue.
- Pecan Toasting: Dry-roast pecans in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until fragrant and golden brown.
- Flavor Layering: Transfer couscous to a serving dish, drizzle with additional olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Garnish Assembly: Sprinkle lemon zest, scatter toasted pecans, crumble feta cheese, and generously garnish with chopped parsley and mint leaves.
- Final Seasoning: Adjust taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the dish’s complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Present at room temperature or slightly warm as an elegant side dish or light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Ensure Liquid Absorption: Rest couscous covered for exactly 5 minutes to guarantee perfect texture and prevent graininess.
- Master Beet Incorporation: Grate beets finely and mix thoroughly to achieve an even, vibrant pink color throughout the couscous.
- Toasting Technique: Watch pecans carefully during skillet toasting, stirring constantly to prevent burning and maximize nutty flavor.
- Temperature Flexibility: Serve dish at room temperature or slightly warm for optimal taste and versatile serving options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg