Honey Raisin Couscous

Honey Raisin Couscous is the perfect side dish if you want something light, slightly sweet with a touch of tang!

Couscous is very common in North African cuisine like Libyan, Tunisian and Moroccan food but not very common in Syria.  Syrians are definitely more rice oriented while in those countries couscous is used in place of rice.

The fun thing about couscous is it can be served cold or hot, in a salad or with a warm stew on top.  The possibilities are endless and you can really have a lot of fun with it.

There are many different types of couscous ranging in size.  The smallest kind being the one I used for this recipe is not the one I most commonly use. I usually opt for the pearl couscous which is a much larger couscous.  But just like different types of rice, its a matter of preference and depends on the dish.  The small couscous works perfect for this super simple side.  It’s fluffy, sweet and slightly zesty.

My dad is one of those dads that is constantly on a diet and trying to “not eat” yet cannot control himself around my moms cooking.

He was visiting when I was testing this recipe out and when I had him try it after much resistance (“I don’t want to eat” “I’m trying to watch what I eat” “Is this a grain”) he caved in, tried it, and loved it.  He then tried to find out more about couscous because like I mentioned earlier it is not very common in Damascus where he grew up.

Couscous is a type of pasta actually, and it helps in weight loss, contains antioxidants, and aids in digestive health.  It is full of gluten so this is definitely NOT a gluten free dish!

Try this side or salad with one of these main dishes;

1. Eggplant tray with tomato stew 
2. Chicken Shish Tawook
3. Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Print

Honey raisin couscous

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

10 mins

 

This salad or side comes together in 10 minutes!  Its a combination of sweet and slightly tangy but all so understated and delicious!  Paired lovely with fish, chicken or on its own!

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, North African

Author: Nadia Hubbi

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 3/4 cup dry couscous
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 Tbls honey
• 2 Tbls lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbls olive oil

Instructions

1. Add apple juice, chicken broth, raisins, lemon zest, olive oil, honey, salt to pot and bring to a boil
2. Once you bring to a boil, turn off heat, add couscous, stir and cover for 5 minutes
3. Fluff and done!