Herbed Cranberry Apple Couscous with Maple Vinaigrette
This aromatic side dish that's sweet, fresh and tangy is perfect for picnics, potlucks and the holidays!
Ingredients
For couscous
- 2 Tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1 small shallot, diced fine (about 1.5 Tbsp)
- 2 cups Israeli couscous (a.k.a. pearl couscous)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth if making vegan)
- ⅓ cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 2 tsp fresh sage chopped
- 1 large green apple, cored + cut into ½" cubes (optional: sprinkle w/ cinnamon)
- 1¼ cups dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, chopped (or sliced almonds)
For vinaigrette
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, ground
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ground (optional)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add shallots and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly browned (3-5 minutes).
- Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the liquid evaporates (~10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl to cool (set in fridge if short on time). Once couscous is almost cooled, add the herbs, apple, cranberries and nuts and stir to distribute evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, maple syrup, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper (if including), and then slowly whisk in the olive oil (or avocado oil) until smooth. Alternatively, you can add all ingredients to a mason jar, cover it and shake until combined.
- Pour vinaigrette over the couscous and stir to coat evenly. Ideally, let the dish sit at room temperature or in the fridge for at least a half hour before serving to allow the flavors to intensify.
Notes
- This is a great complement to spicy and savory dishes.
- It keeps well in the fridge, but is best served at room temperature.
- Pro tip: It tastes even better as the flavors meld together, so it's a great dish to make a day ahead.
- Serves 6-8 as a standard side dish, but if serving as part of a larger meal, potluck or buffet, it can serve twice as many (but be aware...when word gets out how tasty it is, there won't be any leftovers!)
- Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis - Food Network
Nutrition
Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it turned out or tag @bitesoflifeblog on Instagram!