Israeli Couscous with Leek and Garlic

DESCRIPTION

This is wonderful on its own as a side dish. The toasted pearls of couscous can also serve as a bed for an appetizer of poached artichokes, or even as an entrée with a hearty dollop of Cilantro-Walnut Pesto.

Total Time
45 Mins
Serves
6
Meal
Dinner Lunch
Course
Side

Total Time

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
25 Mins
Total Time
45 Mins

Nutrition

Calories
340 cal
Total Fat
18 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
10 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
200 mg
Carbohydrates
38 g
Dietary Fiber
4 g
Protein
9 g

Ingredients

Couscous
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 leek, medium, cleaned, minced (or in very thin half-rounds)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Israeli (pearl) couscous
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or crushed
  • 2 cups water, boiling
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 heaping cup California walnuts, lightly toasted, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro-Walnut Pesto (optional, recipe follows)
Cilantro-Walnut Pesto
  • 1 cup California walnuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced or crushed
  • 1 cup cilantro (leaves and smaller stems), firmly packed
  • Scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

You will need a skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Couscous
  1. Place a large (10 to 12-inch) skillet over medium heat and wait about a minute. Add the olive oil, and swirl to coat the pan.
  2. Add the leek pieces and a little salt, and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the leek is fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in the couscous, a scant 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the garlic. Stir to combine, turn the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the couscous is coated and turning golden (5 to 8 minutes).
  4. Pour in the water, cover the pan, and turn the heat to low. Let it simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork, add black pepper to taste, fold in the walnuts, and it’s ready to serve.
Cilantro-Walnut Pesto
  1. Place the walnuts in a blender or the small bowl of a food processor, and grind to a coarse meal.
  2. Add the garlic, cilantro, and salt, and continue to run the machine until it becomes a uniform green paste (some light walnut texture is fine).
  3. Run the machine while you drizzle in the oil. Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid, and refrigerate until use.

 

This dish keeps and reheats well. If you are not planning to serve it right away, store it in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator (for up to 2 days), and heat in a microwave or in a covered pan in a 300°F oven just before serving. Hold off on adding the walnuts until just before serving.