Best 14 Saffron Couscous Recipes

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In the realm of culinary arts, saffron couscous reigns supreme as a delectable dish steeped in tradition and tantalizing flavors. This vibrant dish, adorned with the golden hue of saffron and infused with an aromatic symphony of spices, captures the essence of North African cuisine. From the bustling markets of Morocco to the vibrant streets of Tunisia, the tantalizing aroma of saffron couscous enchants the senses, promising a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of this vibrant region. With its fluffy texture, delightful blend of spices, and the captivating charm of saffron, this dish has earned a place of honor at the heart of countless family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SAFFRON, ZUCCHINI AND HERB COUSCOUS



Saffron, Zucchini and Herb Couscous image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 zucchini, large dice
1 1/2 cups couscous (10 ounces)
1 cup chopped basil leaves
1 cup chopped parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a small saucepan, and turn off the heat. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, and saffron threads and allow to steep for at least 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and melt the butter in a saute pan. Add the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Bring the chicken stock just back to a boil. Place the couscous in a large bowl and add the cooked zucchini. Pour the hot chicken stock over them. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Add the basil and parsley. Toss the couscous and herbs with a fork, and serve warm or at room temperature.

SAFFRON COUSCOUS



Saffron Couscous image

A light side dish or a great lunch box salad. The addition of saffron makes it just interesting enough!

Provided by toastyfrenchy

Categories     Side Dish

Time 50m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons warm water
5 saffron threads, or more to taste
1 cup couscous
1 cup vegetable broth
1 celery stalk, diced
¼ cup dried currants
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon harissa, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground cumin
sea salt to taste

Steps:

  • Combine warm water and saffron together in a bowl.
  • Mix couscous and vegetable broth together in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Remove saucepan from heat, cover saucepan, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a bowl.
  • Stir saffron mixture, celery, currants, olive oil, lemon juice, harissa, cumin, and sea salt into couscous. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.7 g, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 236.3 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

POACHED CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES, CORIANDER AND SAFFRON COUSCOUS



Poached Chicken with Vegetables, Coriander and Saffron Couscous image

Categories     Chicken     Garlic     Ginger     Herb     Olive     Onion     Marinate     Poach     Saffron     Zucchini     Winter     Couscous     Gourmet

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 24

For the chicken
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, halved
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves
1 carrot, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/3-inch slices
1 tablespoon Niçoise olives
saffron couscous
For the couscous:
1/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup couscous

Steps:

  • Prepare the chicken:
  • In a shallow dish sprinkle the chicken with the cumin, the ginger, the salt, and the garlic, drizzle it with the oil, and rub it all over to coat it well. Chill the chicken, covered, for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • In a heavy saucepan cook the onion and the garlic in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until they are softened, stir in the ginger and the saffron, and cook the mixture for 30 seconds. Add the broth and 2 tablespoons each of the coriander and the parsley, bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer it for 10 minutes. Add the chicken and the carrot and poach the chicken, covered, for 10 minutes. Turn the chicken, add the zucchini, and cook the mixture, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken with tongs to a cutting board and let it stand for 5 minutes. While the chicken is standing, add the olives and the remaining 1 tablespoon each of the coriander and the parsley to the pan, bring the liquid to a boil, and boil the mixture for 2 minutes.
  • Prepare the couscous:
  • Put the saffron in a small dish, set the dish on a rack set over a saucepan of the broth and 3/4 cup water, and bring the liquid to a boil. Heat the saffron for 1 minute, crumble it into the broth, and add the oil. Stir in the couscous, remove the pan from the heat, and let the couscous stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.
  • Slice the chicken, divide it between 2 plates with the couscous, and spoon the vegetable mixture over it.

TOASTED FENNEL CRUSTED TUNA WITH SAFFRON-RED PEPPER SAUCE AND SPRING VEGETABLE COUSCOUS



Toasted Fennel Crusted Tuna with Saffron-Red Pepper Sauce and Spring Vegetable Couscous image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1/2 cup whole fennel seeds, toasted
4 (6-ounce) tuna steaks
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 Spanish onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 red peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1 cup water
Pinch saffron
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Israeli couscous
Water
Salt and freshly ground pepper
12 spears asparagus, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces on the bias
2 red peppers, julienned
2 yellow peppers, julienned
1 zucchini, julienned
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon harissa

Steps:

  • Place fennel seeds in a coffee grinder and coarsely grind and place on a large plate. Brush tuna with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat saute pan or grill pan over high heat until smoking. Dredge one side of the tuna in the fennel seeds. Saute, fennel-side down for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, turn over and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes for rare doneness.
  • Heat oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until soft. Add the red peppers, vinegar, water and saffron and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place in a blender and blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook until lightly golden brown. Cover with water and 2 tablespoons of salt. Cook until al dente, drain and place into a large bowl. Heat remaining 3 tablespoons of oil in a large saute pan and saute the vegetables until just cooked through. Add the vegetables and oil to the couscous. Whisk together the soy sauce and harissa and pour over the couscous and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

SAFFRON COUSCOUS



Saffron Couscous image

Couscous, widely used in North Africa, is a tiny, grainlike pasta made from semolina flour that cooks very quickly.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups couscous
1 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
Large pinch of saffron
Salt (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
1/2 cup currants
1/2 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 cup oil-cured black olives, pitted and slivered
Freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Put couscous in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring stock and saffron to a boil. Add salt to taste, if needed.
  • Pour stock over couscous, stir once or twice, and cover bowl tightly with a plate or aluminum foil. Let steam 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork, and add butter if desired. Add currants, scallions, olives, and pepper. Toss to mix well; serve immediately.

SAFFRON COUSCOUS WITH FRESH PEAS AND CHIVES



Saffron Couscous with Fresh Peas and Chives image

Categories     Vegetable     Side     Quick & Easy     High Fiber     Saffron     Pea     Spring     Chive     Couscous     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can low-salt chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shelled fresh peas or frozen peas
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
Pinch of saffron threads
1 1/4 cups couscous
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth to simmer in medium saucepan. Add peas and cook just until tender, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter and saffron threads to broth and bring to boil. Remove from heat. Add couscous; stir to blend. Cover tightly and let stand until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Gently mix in chives and peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer couscous to large bowl.

SEA SCALLOPS WITH SHERRY AND SAFFRON COUSCOUS



Sea Scallops with Sherry and Saffron Couscous image

Seared sea scallops are served over Moroccan couscous (instead of rice) infused with the flavors of its cooking liquid: sherry, chicken stock, saffron, thyme, and butter.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound sea scallops, muscles removed and discarded
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup dry sherry
2 1/2 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Pinch of saffron
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 cups couscous

Steps:

  • Season scallops on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add scallops (work in batches; use remaining oil if necessary, depending on size of pan); cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 1 minute on each side. When cooked, pour off any fat remaining in pan. Set aside scallops on a plate covered with foil.
  • Return pan to heat. Deglaze pan with sherry, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer until sherry is reduced by two-thirds. Add stock, butter, saffron, thyme, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil; add couscous. Cover the pan; remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Uncover; fluff with a fork; adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with scallops.

SAFFRON COUSCOUS WITH HERBS



Saffron Couscous With Herbs image

This is a wonderful couscous that can stand alone or will compliment a Middle Eastern inspired main dish. You can use less oil if you prefer. UPDATE: Based on some of the reviews I have increased the stock from 2 cups to 2.5 cups and I have increased the servings to 8 instead of 6. The quantity of herbs should be somewhat according to how much you like and which kind of herbs (strong/mild flavour) you are adding.

Provided by Deantini

Categories     Grains

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely diced
2 1/2 cups chicken stock or 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 pinch saffron, crumbled
2 cups couscous (whole wheat or regular)
1/4 cup olive oil, extra virgin
1 lemon, juice of
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/4 cup sultana raisin
1 1/2 cups mixed herbs, finely chopped (including mint, cilantro, flat-leaf parsley)
kosher salt ground pepper
fresh ground pepper

Steps:

  • Place sesame seeds and pine nuts in small baking dish. Bake in preheated 400F oven until lightly golden, watching carefully so they don't burn, about 5 minutes. Or cook carefully on a skillet.
  • In small skillet, on medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.
  • Meanwhile in large saucepan, bring stock and saffron to boil over high heat. Remove from heat. Add couscous; stir. Cover; let stand 15 minutes. Fluff with fork.
  • Toss with oil, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Add sesame seeds, pine nuts, onions, raisins and herbs. Toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.

SAFFRON-SCENTED COUSCOUS WITH PINE NUTS



Saffron-Scented Couscous with Pine Nuts image

Provided by Betty Rosbottom

Categories     Side     Easter     Quick & Easy     High Fiber     Pine Nut     Saffron     Healthy     Couscous     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups low-salt chicken broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
2 cups couscous (about 12 ounces)
3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (about 5), divided
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted , divided

Steps:

  • Bring broth, 2 tablespoons butter, saffron, and 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt to boil in heavy large saucepan, stirring to melt butter. Remove from heat. Mix in couscous. Cover and let stand until all liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Mix in remaining 1 tablespoon butter and half of green onions and nuts. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mound in bowl. Sprinkle with remaining green onions and nuts.

SAFFRON ISRAELI COUSCOUS



Saffron Israeli Couscous image

Easy, fragrant side dish of Israeli couscous. Great with grilled meat or fish!

Provided by Sarah

Categories     Side Dish

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup dry white wine
1 pinch saffron threads
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous
3 cups chicken broth, or more as needed
1 ½ teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Pour white wine into a small bowl; add saffron. Let soak, about 10 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a 4-quart pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add couscous and stir until toasted, about 3 minutes.
  • Carefully stir in saffron-infused wine, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and cover; cook until liquid is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Add more broth if couscous starts to stick to the bottom and cooking is not yet complete.
  • Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered, before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.7 calories, Carbohydrate 60 g, Cholesterol 4.5 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 1754.3 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

SAFFRON COUSCOUS



Saffron Couscous image

Earthy saffron is lifted by peppery green onions in this quick side dish. Serve with the halibut to soak up the tasty juices. Halibut recipe is posted also Recipe #183656.

Provided by LMillerRN

Categories     Moroccan

Time 15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/4 cups reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon saffron thread, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups uncooked couscous
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped green onion top

Steps:

  • Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Add saffron, stirring to dissolve. Cover and keep warm.
  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add couscous; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add broth mixture, hot sauce, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover, remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; stir in onions.

MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON



MOROCCAN COUSCOUS WITH SAFFRON image

Categories     Vegan

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups yellow onion, large dice
1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 cups zucchini, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons Earth Balance butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 1/2 cups whole wheat couscous
2 scallions, white and green parts, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Place the squash, onion, carrots, and zucchini on a baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. 3. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once with a spatula about midway through. 4. While the vegetables roast, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. 5. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cumin, saffron, and salt to taste. 6. Cover the pan and steep for 15 minutes. 7. Scrape the roasted vegetables and their juices into a large bowl, and add the couscous. 8. Bring the vegetable broth back to a boil, and pour over the couscous mixture all at once. 9. Cover tightly with a plate and allow to stand for 15 minutes. 10. Add the scallions, toss the couscous and vegetables with a fork, and serve. Serves 6

SAFFRON, ZUCCHINI AND HERB COUSCOUS



SAFFRON, ZUCCHINI AND HERB COUSCOUS image

Categories     Salad

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 zucchini, large dice
1 1/2 cups couscous (10 ounces)
1 cup chopped basil leaves
1 cup chopped parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a small saucepan, and turn off the heat. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, and saffron threads and allow to steep for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and melt the butter in a saute pan. Add the zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Bring the chicken stock just back to a boil. Place the couscous in a large bowl and add the cooked zucchini. Pour the hot chicken stock over them. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow to stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Add the basil and parsley. Toss the couscous and herbs with a fork, and serve warm or at room temperature.

SAFFRON & RAISIN COUSCOUS WITH FRESH MINT



Saffron & Raisin Couscous With Fresh Mint image

Make and share this Saffron & Raisin Couscous With Fresh Mint recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Az B8990

Categories     African

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 , 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 cups water
3/8 teaspoon saffron thread
3/4 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
3/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups couscous
1/4 cup raisins
2 1/4 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the saffron. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 30 minutes.
  • Return the pan to the heat, bring to a boil, and mix in the olive oil, salt, couscous, and raisins.Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 30 minutes.
  • Using a fork and your fingertips, fluff the couscous to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Stir in the mint.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality saffron: The quality of saffron will greatly impact the flavor of your couscous. Look for saffron that is a deep red color and has a strong aroma.
  • Toast the couscous: Toasting the couscous before cooking it will give it a nutty flavor and help it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Use a flavorful broth: The broth you use to cook the couscous will also affect the flavor of the dish. Use a broth that is flavorful and has a lot of umami, such as chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth.
  • Add vegetables and other ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables and other ingredients to your couscous, such as roasted vegetables, dried fruit, nuts, and herbs.
  • Let the couscous rest before serving: After cooking the couscous, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the couscous to absorb all of the flavors of the other ingredients.

Conclusion:

Saffron couscous is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables, and it can also be made ahead of time. With its vibrant color and unique flavor, saffron couscous is sure to impress your friends and family.

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