Zesty Pesto Couscous: A 15-Minute Flavor Burst!

Experience a vibrant flavor explosion with this gluten-free Pesto Couscous, ready in just 15 minutes.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Couscous

1 cup Pearl Couscous can substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free option
1 cup Water essential for cooking the couscous
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt adjust to taste

For the Pesto Flavor

1/2 cup Pesto experiment with variations like sun-dried tomato or kale pesto
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative

For the Crunch

1/4 cup Pine Nuts optional, can replace with sunflower seeds or omit
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest optional, can substitute with lime zest

For Seasoning

Salt adjust to taste
Pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

medium saucepan
small dry skillet

Method

Cooking Steps

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with a pinch of kosher salt. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of pearl couscous. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for about 10 minutes until tender.
While couscous is cooking, toast a handful of pine nuts in a small heated skillet for 2-3 minutes until golden.
Remove couscous from heat. Fluff with a fork, then stir in pesto, Parmesan cheese, and optional lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with toasted pine nuts and additional Parmesan. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Monitor cooking time for perfect texture. Adjust seasonings to taste as pesto can be salty.

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