Ptitim (Israeli Couscous)
A simple and versatile toasted pasta dish, often called Israeli couscous. The pasta is first toasted to develop a nutty flavor, then simmered in vegetable broth until tender and fluffy, making it a perfect side dish.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 28 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, small, finely chopped
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 200 gptitim
- 400 mlvegetable broth
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)
- 1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · fork · knife · cutting_board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan with a lid over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the onion slowly prevents it from browning and develops a sweeter flavor.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- 4
Add the dry ptitim to the saucepan.
- 5
Toast the ptitim, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Toasting is the key step for developing the characteristic nutty flavor of this dish.
- 6
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, then add the salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The pot will be hot, so expect some steam when adding the liquid.
- 7
Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
About 2 min
- 8
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers to keep the steam trapped inside.
- 9
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This resting period allows the ptitim to steam and become perfectly tender.
- 10
Uncover the saucepan and fluff the ptitim gently with a fork.
About 1 min
- 11
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice just before serving.
Cook’s note: Adding fresh herbs and acid at the end brightens up the flavors.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
More recipes
All recipessoup
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Mercimek Corbasi)
This comforting and hearty Turkish red lentil soup, known as Mercimek Corbasi, is a staple in Turkish cuisine. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it's naturally vegan and packed with flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens every spoonful.
45 min 275 kcalmain course
Paleo Italian Meatballs
These flavorful paleo meatballs are made with ground beef and pork, seasoned with fresh herbs, and bound with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. They are baked until golden and can be served with your favorite compliant sauce or vegetables.
45 min 522 kcalmain course
Kimchi Bokkeumbap
This quick and flavorful Korean fried rice dish features fermented kimchi, rice, and often a protein. It's a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for using up leftover rice.
25 min 738 kcalbreakfast
Vegan Crumpets
These homemade vegan crumpets are soft, chewy, and full of those characteristic holes perfect for soaking up butter and jam. They are surprisingly simple to make and a delightful breakfast or snack.
1 hr 35 min 269 kcalsnack
Onde-Onde
Onde-onde are traditional Indonesian glutinous rice flour balls, filled with sweet palm sugar and coated in toasted sesame seeds. They offer a delightful chewy texture with a burst of molten sweetness inside, making them a popular snack.
45 min 565 kcalmain course
Super Kania
This hearty Senegalese dish features tender chicken and vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful peanut butter and tomato sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner. Serve it with a side of rice for a complete experience.
1 hr 25 min 896 kcaldessert
Vegan Loukoumades
These vegan loukoumades are light, airy Greek doughnuts, crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Drizzled with a sweet syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts, they make a delightful dessert. This recipe uses plant-based ingredients to achieve the traditional taste and texture.
1 hr 35 min 754 kcal