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Side Dish

Israeli Couscous with Herbs

This simple and flavorful Israeli couscous, also known as ptitim, makes a wonderful side dish for almost any meal. It's lightly toasted then simmered in vegetable broth until tender, and finished with fresh herbs.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
35 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
295 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Israeli Couscous with Herbs

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 1.5 cupisraeli couscous
  • 3 cupvegetable broth
  • 1 tbspolive oil
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.25 cupparsley, fresh, chopped
  • 2 tbspdill, fresh, chopped
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tbsplemon juice(optional)

Equipment

saucepan · fork

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the Israeli couscous to the pan and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

    About 4 min

    Cook’s note: Toasting the couscous adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic.

  4. 4

    Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

    About 3 min

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid too often to allow the couscous to steam properly.

  6. 6

    Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This resting period allows the couscous to fully absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.

  7. 7

    Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir in the fresh parsley and dill.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, stir in the lemon juice for a brighter flavor.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
295.1kcal
Protein
9.5g
Carbs
53.7g
Fat
4.2g
Fibre
3.5g
Sugar
0.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Israeli couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

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