Pearl couscous is the large type of the extra frequent tiny couscous. Also referred to as gourmand and Israeli couscous, it’s like little pearls of pasta – therefore the title! Makes a superb salad and is a superb one to take to gatherings for one thing totally different that by no means fails to impress.
Pearl Couscous Salad
The immature little one inside needs to name this a Large Couscous Salad. However the correct title is Pearl Couscous Salad, so I went with wise. However now I’m type of regretting it!
Pearl couscous is the massive brother of the extra frequent tiny couscous that I take advantage of as a facet dish for Moroccan and African dishes like tagine. Generally mistaken as a grain, couscous is definitely a kind of pasta, and is right utilized in salads like on this recipe, or as a facet like on this Syrian hen.
Whereas the tiny couscous could be ready by soaking in scorching water, pearl couscous must be simmered on the range. In my opinion, probably the most scrumptious approach to do that is to prepare dinner it like risotto, beginning with sautéed garlic and onion then utilizing broth as an alternative of water. This infuses the couscous with a lot taste, you’ll be able to even serve it plain as a facet.
What you want for this pearl couscous salad
I’ve given this salad a Mediterranean spin with a brilliant lemon dressing, pops of tomato, juicy crunch of cucumber and an excellent hit of recent herbs. The mixture of dill and coriander/cilantro is a agency favorite. In the event you haven’t tried it earlier than, you’re in for a deal with!
For the salad
-
Pearl couscous (see pictures above) – Large couscous which can be offered in packets labelled as such. Different names it goes by embrace gourmand couscous and Israeli couscous. Discover it alongside abnormal tiny couscous, normally within the pasta aisle.
-
Garlic, onion and vegetable or hen broth – That is for cooking the pearl couscous. As talked about above, I prefer to prepare dinner the couscous in flavour to make it extra scrumptious. Strive it as soon as and also you’ll by no means look again!
-
Contemporary herbs – Dill and coriander/cilantro are a beautiful mixture that I like utilizing. Actually attempt to not skip the herbs as they elevate the dish. However in my opinion, that is nonetheless price making even in the event you should not have one or each of those because the couscous itself and dressing add nice flavour into the salad.
Greatest substitutes are: parsley (identical amount) or a little bit of chives (say, 1/4 cup finely sliced).
-
Child spinach – Leafy inexperienced of selection. Finely sliced so it tosses by the couscous.
Alternate options: Child rocket/arugula, torn by hand or chopped into smaller bits (so it tosses although effectively). Or finely sliced kale, however greatest to marinate it first to melt the more durable leaves. Comply with instructions in this recipe.
-
Cherry tomatoes – For juicy pops and beautiful color. Bizarre tomato minimize into chunks or giant cube will even work.
-
Cucumber – For recent crunch. Good textural distinction as there’s no nuts or anything crunchy on this.
Lemon dressing
A brilliant lemon dressing is a pure pairing right here. No surprises within the substances! In the event you don’t have Dijon Mustard, sub with abnormal yellow mustard. And the lemon juice could be substituted with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
The right way to make pearl couscous salad
The pearl couscous must be cooked round 1 hour prematurely to present it adequate time to chill earlier than tossing with the salad substances. You’ll be able to pace up the cooling course of by spreading it on a tray and refrigerating it.
-
Sauté garlic and onion in a big saucepan or small pot over medium excessive warmth till the onion is translucent and beginning to brown.
-
Add couscous and stir, cooking for 1 minute, to coat it within the flavoured oil. Add the inventory/broth and water. Then as soon as it begins simmering, place the lid on and switch the warmth right down to medium low.
-
Cook dinner for 10 minutes till the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked by however nonetheless agency.
-
Cool – Use a fork to separate the couscous, then switch into a big bowl to chill. The couscous will stick collectively into a giant block. However don’t fear, it should separate when tossed with the dressing.
-
Dressing – Shake the substances collectively in a jar.
-
Toss! Add all of the salad substances and recent herbs into the bowl with the couscous then toss effectively with the Dressing. Serve instantly, at room temperature!
What to serve with this pearl couscous salad
Serve it as a meal in itself, which is what I usually do, or as a facet.
As a facet dish, with the intense Mediterranean flavours on this, the plain pairing can be all issues Mediterranean like Greek Baked Hen, Turkish lamb skewers, Greek Meatballs and Greek butterflied lamb leg. However I particularly love serving this with African and Center Jap spiced issues – like Hen Shawarma which is pictured under. The recent flavours of this pearl couscous salad are a terrific distinction to the earthy, advanced flavours of Center Jap flavours.
Different related spiced mains embrace Center Jap Lamb Koftas, Lamb Shawarma (oh my, that is SO GOOD!), Moroccan Lamb Meatballs and the Jerk Fish I shared earlier this week (YES! It could be wonderful with this!).
Deceptively great amount of greens!
There’s a deceptively great amount of greens packed into this salad. As a result of the beads of couscous are so small relative to, for instance, pasta, there’s much more “stuff” for veggies to be stirred into. I’m not likely explaining it very effectively! However if (WHEN!!!) you make this, you’ll really feel like there’s a ton of greens for simply 1 1/2 cups of couscous. However the couscous expands when cooking and as soon as it’s all tossed collectively, it looks as if simply the correct amount.
Hidden veggies!
Salad that may be eaten with a spoon!
Why does it really feel so immature that this appeals to me a lot??? – Nagi xx
Watch find out how to make it
Hungry for extra? Subscribe to my e-newsletter and observe alongside on Fb, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest updates.
Pearl Couscous Salad
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook dinner: 15 minutes
Complete: 30 minutes
Dinner
Western
Servings4 – 8 individuals
Faucet or hover to scale
Directions
Couscous:
-
Sauté onion & garlic – Warmth oil in a big saucepan or small pot over medium excessive warmth. Add garlic and onion, saute till the onion is translucent and beginning to brown.
-
Couscous & broth – Add couscous and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add broth and water, deliver to a simmer. Then place the lid on and switch the warmth right down to medium low so it’s simmering gently.
-
Cook dinner for 10 minutes till the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is cooked by however nonetheless agency. Use a fork to separate the couscous, then switch into a big bowl to chill. (It should type a sticky block however don’t fret, it should separate when tossed with Dressing).
Salad:
-
Dressing – Place Dressing substances in a jar and shake effectively.
-
Toss! Add Salad substances into the bowl, pour over Dressing and toss. Serve at room temperature.
Recipe Notes:
In Australia, you will discover it within the pasta aisle of Woolworths and Coles subsequent to abnormal tiny couscous, and it prices across the identical.
2. Child spinach – Use about 2 handfuls of child spinach (approx. 50g / 2 oz), and even abnormal spinach leaves. Kale and silverbeet would additionally work effectively (take away the robust stem in the course of every leaf). Be beneficiant – it is a nice technique to pack plenty of greens into this salad as a result of it mixes by so effectively. Hidden greens!
3. STORAGE: The dressed salad retains fairly effectively for two days – after that the herbs are a bit too wilted. However it’s best served recent. In case you are making forward, preserve the Dressing separate till simply earlier than serving.
4. OTHER WAYS TO SERVE: This manner of cooking the couscous flavours it so you’ll be able to even serve the couscous plain as a facet dish. If you would like, gown it up a bit with a sprinkle of herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Simply think about the chances!
5. WHAT TO SERVE THIS WITH: This Pearl Couscous Salad has brilliant Mediterranean flavours so whereas the plain pairing can be with all issues Mediterranean, I feel it goes notably effectively with advanced earthy flavours of Center Jap spices akin to Hen Shawarma, Center Jap Lamb Koftas and Turkish Koftas. Would even be stellar with Greek Meatballs, yoghurt marinated Greek Hen (skip the wraps within the Gyros), Souvlaki, Portuguese Hen (skip the bread), Sluggish Roasted Greek Lamb. See my Greek recipes right here and Center Jap recipe right here. (New addition: glorious with Jerk Fish!)
6. Serves 4 as a meal or 6 – 8 as a facet. Diet is per serving, assuming 4 servings.
Diet Data:
Energy: 477cal (24%)Carbohydrates: 67g (22%)Protein: 16g (32%)Fats: 18g (28%)Saturated Fats: 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fats: 2gMonounsaturated Fats: 12gSodium: 547mg (24%)Potassium: 1352mg (39%)Fiber: 7g (29%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 3582IU (72%)Vitamin C: 116mg (141%)Calcium: 270mg (27%)Iron: 9mg (50%)
Initially revealed July 2017. Up to date January 2023 with a reputation change from Israeli Couscous Salad to Pearl Couscous Salad as a result of political sensitivity across the recipe title. The model I used to make use of offered the sort of couscous labelled as “Israeli couscous”. I don’t need my web site to be a political discussion board so I’ve modified the title. And really, lately most packets are labelled “pearl couscous”. Submit has additionally been up to date with an improved video worthy of this fabulous salad and refreshed pictures. No change to recipe – it’s good as is!
MORE SUMMER SALADS to take to gatherings
Lifetime of Dozer
Teamwork! 😂 (Dozer on the left with this buddy Aggie on the proper!)
