Best 13 Lemony Israeli Couscous With Asparagus Recipes

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Lemony Israeli couscous with asparagus is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The couscous is cooked in a flavorful broth with lemon zest and juice, while the asparagus is roasted until tender and slightly charred. The two are then combined with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your couscous more or less lemony, or your asparagus more or less roasted, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your needs.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Fruit Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS, PEAS, AND SUGAR SNAPS



Israeli Couscous with Asparagus, Peas, and Sugar Snaps image

Provided by Jeanne Kelley

Categories     Side     Vegetarian     High Fiber     Backyard BBQ     Dinner     Lunch     Parmesan     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Chill     Healthy     Potluck     Couscous     Sugar Snap Pea     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 large garlic cloves, minced, divided
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel
1 1/3 cups Israeli couscous (6 to 7 ounces)
1 3/4 cups (or more) vegetable broth
14 ounces slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut diagonally into 3/4-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed, cut diagonally into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup shelled fresh green peas or frozen, thawed
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, and lemon peel in small bowl; set dressing aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add couscous, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until most of couscous is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add 1 3/4 cups broth, increase heat, and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, adding more broth by tablespoonfuls if too dry.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add asparagus, sugar snap peas, green peas, and remaining garlic clove. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; sauté until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer vegetables to large bowl.
  • Add couscous to bowl with vegetables. Drizzle dressing over. Add chives and cheese; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Test-kitchen tip:
  • To trim asparagus, hold onto the top of the stalk with one hand and bend the bottom of the stalk with your other hand. The stalk will snap, separating the woody end from the tender top.

TOASTED ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH VEGETABLES AND LEMON-BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Toasted Israeli Couscous with Vegetables and Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 pound Israeli couscous
Salt
12 spears asparagus, grilled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1 zucchini, halved, grilled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow squash, halved, grilled and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large red peppers, grilled, peeled and diced into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon-Balsamic Vinaigrette, recipe follows
1 small shallot, minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Heat large saute pan on grates of the grill over medium heat. Add couscous and toast until lightly golden brown.
  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt and toasted couscous and cook until al dente. Drain well and place in a large bowl. Add grilled vegetables, olives, basil, and vinaigrette and toss until combined; season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving or cover and refrigerate.
  • Whisk shallot, juice, zest, vinegars, and salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in oil until emulsified.

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Fruit Pasta Salad

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS



Lemony Israeli Couscous with Asparagus image

I came up with this versatile dish during asparagus season. You can eat this as a salad for lunch, or as a great side dish to kabobs or grilled meats. This makes two hearty lunch-sized salads or four side-dish portions.

Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos

Categories     Fruit Pasta Salad

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 ½ cups boiling water
1 shallot, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested and juiced

Steps:

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.7 calories, Carbohydrate 76.9 g, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 11.1 g, Protein 15.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 99.7 mg, Sugar 5 g

LEMON COUSCOUS



Lemon Couscous image

This is light and fresh and accompanies fish (i.e. habanero-lime butter grilled salmon) and chicken well. It is a refreshing change to the rice or potato side dish, and everyone always loves it.

Provided by redveeder

Categories     Side Dish

Time 15m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup couscous
1 (2 ounce) jar sliced pimento peppers, drained
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Stir chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and salt together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Add couscous to the liquid and stir to coat completely. Place a cover on the saucepan, remove from heat, and let couscous soak in hot liquid until the moisture is mostly absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  • Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir pimento peppers, pine nuts, and parsley into the couscous.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 224.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.2 g, Cholesterol 11.8 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 549.4 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH MINT AND LEMON



Israeli Couscous With Mint and Lemon image

This is a very simple recipe, and so very light and flavorful, that everyone can enjoy , the flavor of mint is so light and refreshing in this dish!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, plus more for pasta water
1 1/2 cups israeli couscous or 1 1/2 cups pearl couscous
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more
olive oil, for drizzling
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
5 scallions, thinly sliced diagonally
1/3 cup golden raisin
3 tablespoons lemon zest, very thinly sliced (2-3 strips)
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
fresh ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Bring pot of salted water to a boil Add couscous, and cook until al dente, Drain, and drizzle with just enough oil to coat. Spread on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  • Combine couscous and remaining ingredients. Let stand at room temperature for least 30 minutes before serving.

GRILLED VEGETABLE COUSCOUS WITH LEMON & GOAT CHEESE



Grilled Vegetable Couscous With Lemon & Goat Cheese image

I got this recipe out of my August Cuisine at Home magazine, the only thing I changed was I used Israeli Couscous instead of the small instant kind. Great side dish!

Provided by CIndytc

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 9 cups, 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

3 cups sliced zucchini
1 lb asparagus, trimmed
1 red onion, small and cut inot 1/2 inch thick slices
1 red pepper, sliced into chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper
for the couscous
1 (10 ounce) instant couscous
1 tablespoon minced lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cherries or 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup parsley, fresh & chopped
1/4 cup scallion, chopped
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Preheat grill to medium-highl Brush grill grate with oil.
  • For the Vegetable, toss:.
  • zuicchini, asparagus and onion and red pepper with 2 T. oil;season with salt & pepper. Grill vegetables covered, until charred 5 - 6 minutes. Chop vegetables and onion into bite sized pieces. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and steam 10 minutes.
  • For Couscous:.
  • Cook couscous according to package directions with zest added; set aside.
  • Whisk:.
  • Lemon juice and 1 T. oil in a large bowl. Add couscous, grilled vegetables, tomatoes, parsley, and scallions; season with salt & black pepper. Top couscous with goat cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.5, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 11.2, Sodium 98.8, Carbohydrate 54.7, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 11.4, Protein 12.9

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH LEMON, MINT, PEAS, FETA, AND PICKLED SHALL



Israeli Couscous With Lemon, Mint, Peas, Feta, and Pickled Shall image

I'd been looking to find a recipe using Israeli Couscous (not easily found in our little rural town up until recently) and saw this being made on "America's Test Kitchen." It's a wonderful combo of textures and flavors -- hubby raved!

Provided by lecole54

Categories     Greens

Time 50m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
salt and pepper, to taste
2 shallots, sliced thin
3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups israeli couscous, cooled (see below)
4 ounces baby arugula, roughly chopped
1 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped
3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (3/4 cup)

Steps:

  • Bring vinegar, sugar, and pinch salt to simmer in small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat, add shallots, and stir to combine. Cover and let cool completely, about 30 minutes. Drain and discard liquid.
  • Whisk oil, lemon juice, mustard, pepper flakes, and 1/8 teaspoon salt together in large bowl. Add cooled couscous, arugula, mint, peas, 6 tablespoons pistachios, 1/2 cup feta, and shallots and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to serving bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup feta and remaining 2 tablespoons pistachios and serve.
  • For Israeli Couscous: Heat 2 cups of couscous and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until about half of grains are golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Add 2-1/2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until water is absorbed, 9 to 12 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let stand, covered, for 3 minutes. Serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.4, Fat 22.8, SaturatedFat 5.8, Cholesterol 20.1, Sodium 371.5, Carbohydrate 85.5, Fiber 7.7, Sugar 10.1, Protein 19.7

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVES



Israeli Couscous Salad With Asparagus, Cucumber and Olives image

From Bon Appetit, June 2006. I discovered Israeli couscous at a restaurant over a year ago and set out to find it to try in standard couscous recipes. (Believe it or not I found Israeli couscous for sale at Safeway grocery store by sheer accident!) Quite thrilled to find this recipe very recently!

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (homemade is best) or 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (homemade is best)
2 cups israeli couscous, toasted
2 cups asparagus spears, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, blanched
2 cups English cucumbers, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup kalamata olive, pitted, cut in half
2 large green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (plus a few sprigs for garnish-*NOT* dried mint!)
1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • In a small non-reactive bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Bring the broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Stir in the couscous. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the couscous is tender and all the broth is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cool the couscous to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, stir in the blanched asparagus, cucumber, olives, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Gently mix in the feta cheese.
  • Garnish with mint sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.4, Fat 20.9, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 25, Sodium 395.5, Carbohydrate 39.1, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.5, Protein 11.1

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH PECANS



Israeli Couscous With Pecans image

This was adapted from a recipe on a box of Israeli Couscous. Israeli couscous looks like little pearls. Simply delicious!

Provided by Red Dog

Categories     European

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups israeli couscous
1/2 large cinnamon stick
1 dried bay leaf
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/2 lemon, zest of
black pepper

Steps:

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium low heat.
  • Add pecans and stir until golden brown. Transfer to small bowl.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until couscous browns slightly.
  • Add broth and salt and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.
  • Remove from heat and stir in parsley, pecans and lemon zest.
  • Season with black pepper to taste.

COUSCOUS RISOTTO WITH SHRIMP, ASPARAGUS AND PEAS



Couscous Risotto with Shrimp, Asparagus and Peas image

Categories     Pasta     Side     Sauté     High Fiber     Dinner     Shrimp     Asparagus     Pea     Summer     Simmer     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Serves 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
24 asparagus spears (about 12 ounces), trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
3 ounces snow peas, trimmed, cut diagonally in half
6 tablespoons olive oil
32 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped shallots
4 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
1 pound plum tomatoes (about 8), seeded, chopped
2 cups dry white wine
2 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Cook frozen peas, asparagus, carrots and snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer vegetables to bowl filled with ice water. Drain vegetables and set aside.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to medium bowl. (Vegetables and shrimp can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover each separately with plastic wrap and then refrigerate.)
  • Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and shallots and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in couscous and tomatoes. Add wine and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and simmer until liquid is reduced by half and couscous is just tender, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Mix in reserved vegetables and whipping cream. Cook couscous over medium heat until mixture thickens and is creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir Parmesan, butter and parsley into risotto. Add shrimp and mix until heated through and butter and cheese are melted and well blended, about 2 minutes. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Divide risotto among 8 bowls and serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND PRESERVED LEMON



Israeli Couscous with Roasted Butternut Squash and Preserved Lemon image

Categories     Citrus     Nut     Pasta     Vegetable     Side     Roast     Vegetarian     Wedding     Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur     Dinner     Lemon     Raisin     Pine Nut     Squash     Butternut Squash     Healthy     Couscous     Gourmet     Vegan     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 preserved lemon
1 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch dice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 3/4 cups Israeli couscous or acini di pepe (tiny peppercorn-shaped pasta), about 1 pound
1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 475°F.
  • Halve lemons and scoop out flesh, keeping both flesh and peel. Cut enough peel into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1/4 cup. Put lemon flesh in a sieve set over a bowl and press with back of a spoon to extract juice.
  • Toss squash with 1 tablespoon oil and salt to taste in a large shallow baking pan and spread in 1 layer. Roast in upper third of oven 15 minutes, or until squash is just tender, and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Cook onion in 1 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to turn golden. Add to squash.
  • Cook couscous with cinnamon stick in a large pot of boiling salted water 10 minutes, or until just tender, and drain in a colander (do not rinse). Add couscous to vegetables and toss with 2 tablespoon oil to coat.
  • Add lemon peel and juice, parsley, nuts, raisins, ground cinnamon, and salt to taste. Toss to mix well.
  • To adapt this recipe to serve 50:
  • 4 to 5 preserved lemons
  • 5 lb. butternut squash, peeled and seeded
  • 3/4 to 1 cup olive oil
  • 3 cups chopped onion
  • 7 cups Israeli couscous or acini di pepe (tiny peppercorn-shaped pasta), about 3 lb.
  • 4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
  • 3 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 cups pine nuts, toasted
  • 2 cups golden raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Preheat oven to 475°F.
  • Halve lemons and scoop out flesh, keeping both flesh and peel. Cut enough peel into 1/4-inch dice to measure 1 cup. Put lemon flesh in a sieve set over a bowl and press with back of a spoon to extract juice.
  • Cut enough squash into 1/4-inch dice to measure about 12 cups and toss with 1/3 cup oil and salt to taste. Roast in single layers in batches in your largest shallow baking pan in upper third of oven 15 minutes, or until just tender.
  • Cook 1/2 of onion in 3 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to turn golden. Add to squash. Repeat with remaining onion and more oil.
  • Cook couscous with cinnamon sticks in an 8-qt. pot of boiling salted water 10 minutes, or until just tender, and drain in a colander (do not rinse). Toss couscous with 3 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add squash, onion, lemon peel and juice, and remaining ingredients. Season with salt (you'll need a lot) and toss to mix well.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, especially the couscous and the asparagus. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
  • Toast the couscous before cooking it. This will give it a nutty flavor and help it to cook evenly.
  • Be careful not to overcook the asparagus. It should be tender but still slightly crunchy.
  • Season the dish to taste with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as cumin, coriander, or paprika, to your liking.
  • Serve the couscous immediately, while it is still hot and fluffy.

Conclusion:

This lemony Israeli couscous with asparagus is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bright flavors and vibrant colors, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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