This Dried Cherry Couscous is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a side dish for roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian main. The fluffy couscous serves as the perfect canvas for tender, finely diced carrots and a medley of red, yellow, and green bell peppers that add crunch and color. Sweet dried cherries provide bursts of tartness that cut through the richness of the olive oil, while fresh chives offer a bright, herbaceous finish. ItâÂÂs a quick, nutritious, and visually appealing dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or festive holiday tables. The combination of textures and flavors ensures every bite is satisfying and fresh.
Dried Cherry Couscous
Description
This Dried Cherry Couscous is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a side dish for roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian main. The fluffy couscous serves as the perfect canvas for tender, finely diced carrots and a medley of red, yellow, and green bell peppers that add crunch and color. Sweet dried cherries provide bursts of tartness that cut through the richness of the olive oil, while fresh chives offer a bright, herbaceous finish. ItâÂÂs a quick, nutritious, and visually appealing dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or festive holiday tables. The combination of textures and flavors ensures every bite is satisfying and fresh.Ingredients
Directions
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Rinse the dried cherries briefly under warm water and drain well to plump them slightly.
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Prepare the couscous according to package directions, using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
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While the couscous cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the finely diced carrot, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet.
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Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp and slightly softened.
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Stir in the chopped fresh chives and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
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Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the couscous.
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Gently fold in the drained dried cherries using a spatula to avoid mashing the fruit.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
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Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 258.1kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20.4g32%
- Saturated Fat 2.8g14%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 23.9mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 18.2g7%
- Dietary Fiber 4.1g17%
- Sugars 6.8g
- Protein 2.4g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
