Best Almond Citrus Couscous Recipes

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CITRUS COUSCOUS CUPS



Citrus Couscous Cups image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h5m

Yield 24 salad cups

Number Of Ingredients 17

Vegetable oil cooking spray
Flour, for dusting
Two 9-inch unroll-and-bake store-bought pie crusts, such as Pillsbury
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Zest of 1/4 large orange
Juice of 1/2 large orange (about 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice)
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup couscous
One 11-ounce can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook's Note: To toast the almonds, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.
  • Special equipment: 24-count nonstick mini-muffin pan; 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter
  • For the pastry cups: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 24-count nonstick mini-muffin pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured work surface. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut 12 circles of dough from each crust. Press the dough into the prepared muffin cups. Bake until light golden, 10 minutes. Cool completely before filling, 15 minutes.
  • For the salad: Bring the broth, orange zest, orange juice and cumin to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan until the liquid had been absorbed and the couscous is tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Fluff the couscous and break up any lumps, using a fork. Toss together the couscous, mandarin oranges, almonds and parsley in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • For the dressing: Whisk together the oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  • To assemble: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until coated. Spoon the mixture into the cooled pastry cups and serve.

SWEET ALMOND MILK COUSCOUS



Sweet Almond Milk Couscous image

Provided by Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 1/2 cups almond milk
1/3 cup sugar
Pinch of salt
1 cup regular or whole wheat couscous
2 teaspoons grated or minced lemon or orange zest
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 to 1 teaspoon rosewater, optional
1 cup sliced or chopped almonds
1/4 cup shelled pistachios, optional
1 cup chopped dried apricots

Steps:

  • Bring almond milk, sugar and salt to boil in a pot; add couscous, zest, and cardamom; cover and cook for 1 minute, then turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff couscous with a fork and sprinkle on the rosewater, if using. Add nuts and apricots, and gently combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.
  • Sweet Couscous with Citrus Salad: Make the couscous with mixed citrus zest - a little lemon, orange, lime or grapefruit - and omit nuts, cardamom and rosewater. Let it cool to room temperature and serve topped with a cup of orange, tangerine or grapefruit segments (or a combination) tossed with 3 tablespoons chopped mint leaves.

ORANGE AND ALMOND COUSCOUS



Orange and Almond Couscous image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 ounces (1/4 cup) sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups plain couscous
2 navel oranges, zested
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, a handful

Steps:

  • Toast nuts in the bottom of a medium saucepot over medium heat. Transfer toasted nuts to a dish and reserve. Return pot to the stove top. Add broth and oil, cover pot and raise heat; bring the broth to a boil. Remove pot from heat, immediately. Add couscous, orange zest and parsley, then stir. Cover and let couscous stand 5 minutes. Fluff cooked couscous with fork and toss with toasted almonds.
  • TIDBIT: Slice zested oranges and serve them after dinner.

Citrus and almond are two flavors that complement each other perfectly, and when combined with couscous, it makes for a delicious and healthy dish. Almond citrus couscous is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish, main course, or salad. It has become increasingly popular, and many chefs and home cooks continue to create new and exciting variations of the recipe.

The Ingredients

The necessary ingredients to prepare almond citrus couscous are couscous, almonds, oranges, lemons, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. Almonds, when toasted, provide a nutty flavor and crunchiness that complements the lightness and tartness of citrus. Citrus fruits add zest and tanginess to the dish, while olive oil and herbs add depth and freshness.

The Cooking Process

Cooking couscous is easy, and it takes only a few minutes to prepare. To prepare the couscous, you will need to bring water or chicken broth to a boil, add couscous, reduce heat, and let the couscous simmer for about 10 minutes until it absorbs all the liquid. Once fully cooked, fluff the couscous with a fork, and then set it aside to cool. While the couscous is cooling, place raw, unsalted almonds in a skillet, and toast them over medium heat until golden brown. The toasted almonds can be chopped or left whole to be added to the couscous mixture. Next, peel and slice the citrus fruits: oranges and lemons into thin, round slices. Afterward, in a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you choose to use. Finally, combine the cooled couscous, toasted almonds, and sliced citrus fruits in a large mixing bowl, and drizzle the olive oil mixture over the top. Combine everything well until all the ingredients are well coated. You can serve the almond citrus couscous warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

Variations

There are many variations of almond citrus couscous that showcase the unique flavors and textures of the ingredients. Some cooks choose to add roasted vegetables like zucchini or squash to the couscous, while others add grilled chicken or shrimp to create a more filling and protein-packed dish. You can also add different herbs depending on your preference or use other citrus fruits like grapefruit or lime to add variety to the flavor profile. Lastly, you could even add a bit of sweetness to the dish by adding some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, which would contrast well with the tartness of the citrus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, almond citrus couscous is a dish that has become a favorite among chefs and home cooks for its simplicity and diverse flavors. The combination of citrus, almond, and herbs creates a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, almond citrus couscous is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its unique flavors and satisfying texture.
Almond citrus couscous is a delicious dish that combines the nuttiness of almonds with the tartness of citrus fruits. This dish is a versatile option that can be served as a side dish or a main course. In this article, we will provide valuable tips on how to make the most delicious almond citrus couscous recipes.

Tips:

1. Choose the right couscous
The quality of couscous plays a vital role in the final taste of the dish. Always opt for high-quality couscous that is made from wheat flour. The finer the couscous, the better it will absorb the flavors of other ingredients.
2. Prepare your couscous properly
To prepare the couscous properly, you need to follow specific steps. First, pour boiling water or broth over the couscous and cover it with a lid for at least five minutes. Next, fluff the couscous with a fork, and add some olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking together.
3. Incorporate fresh ingredients
The success of almond citrus couscous depends on the quality of the ingredients used. It's best to use fresh and seasonal produce, especially the citrus fruits. You can add orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit to your couscous for a tangy flavor. Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro can add a fresh, fragrant flavor.
4. Toast your almonds
Toasting almonds brings out their nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Make sure that you stir them regularly to prevent them from burning.
5. Balance the flavors
The key to a delicious almond citrus couscous recipe depends on balancing the flavors. The nuttiness of the almonds should be balanced with the tartness of the citrus fruits. The sweetness can come from dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or a sprinkle of honey.
6. Add a crunch
Adding a crunch to the dish can make it more interesting and flavorful. You can add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to your couscous mix to create a pleasant crunch.
7. Customize your dish
Almond citrus couscous is a versatile recipe that can be customized according to your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and meal plan. You can add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it a vegan dish.
8. Serve with the right accompaniments
To make your dish more appealing, serve it with the right accompaniments. A simple salad with fresh greens or roasted vegetables can complement the flavors of almond citrus couscous. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can enhance the citrus flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil can add an extra burst of flavor.
9. Store the leftovers properly
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat the couscous in the microwave or on the stovetop. To refresh the flavors, you can add some fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Conclusion:

Almond citrus couscous recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and delicious. By following these valuable tips, you can make the most of your almond citrus couscous dish. Remember to choose high-quality couscous, balance the flavors, customize the dish according to your preferences, and serve it with complementary accompaniments. Bon appétit!

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