SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 14m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

Steps:

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.