Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries! This dish is like a flavor explosion in your mouth—it’s savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. The garlic and fresh herbs dance together beautifully while the tartness of the cranberries adds a delightful twist that keeps you coming back for more. I often whip this up as a side dish for family dinners, but honestly, it’s so versatile that it can stand alone as a light lunch or even a snack. Whenever I have friends over, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super quick to make! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it in your weekly rotation. It’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll find a cozy spot in yours too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll have this flavorful side dish ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up something so delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it smokes. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
- Add in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Watch it closely—garlic can go from golden to burnt in a flash, and we want that lovely golden color!
- Next, stir in 1 cup of couscous. Toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This little step adds such a wonderful nutty flavor, and it’s one of my favorite tricks!
- Now, pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil. The broth will bring all those flavors to life!
- Once it’s boiling, remove the pan from the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This is crucial—don’t skip it! The couscous will absorb all that delicious broth and fluff up beautifully.
- After those 5 minutes are up, take a fork and fluff the couscous gently—this is when it transforms into that light, airy texture we love.
- Finally, stir in the 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all well, and voila! You’ve got yourself a stunning dish!
Enjoy the aromas wafting through your kitchen as this beauty comes together. Trust me, you’re going to want to dig in immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Flavor-packed with garlic, fresh herbs, and a pop of sweetness from cranberries.
- Healthy and nutritious, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Vegetarian-friendly, perfect for meatless meals or as a delightful side dish.
- Versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken to roasted veggies.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, feel free to swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian—it adds a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. If you’re looking for a different twist, try using dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries for a unique sweetness. For seasoning, don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste; I often add a pinch more for that extra kick. Lastly, remember to fluff the couscous gently with a fork—this ensures that it stays light and fluffy, not clumpy. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. I encourage you to use this information as a general guide rather than an exact measurement. Always check labels for the most accurate information to suit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries—let’s dive in!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This couscous is great for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance, just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick fluff with a fork and maybe a drizzle of olive oil to perk it up!
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep them in a sealed container. If you want to enjoy them later, you can reheat them in the microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I use other fruits instead of cranberries?
Definitely! Dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped apricots can work wonderfully. It’s all about what you love and what you have on hand!
What main dishes pair well with this couscous?
This Garlic Herb Couscous is super versatile! It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even a hearty vegetable stir-fry. It’s like the perfect sidekick for any meal!
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from wheat, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute it with quinoa or gluten-free grains for a similar texture!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside my Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries, I’ve got you covered! This dish shines as a side for grilled chicken or lemon-herb roasted salmon—such a delightful pairing! For a vegetarian option, try it with stuffed bell peppers or a hearty chickpea salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a warm Mediterranean vegetable medley or even as a base for a flavorful curry. The possibilities are endless, and it’s sure to complement any main course beautifully!
For more delicious recipes, check out my blog for inspiration!
Print
Garlic Herb Couscous with Cranberries: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful side dish with garlic, herbs, and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in couscous and toast for 2 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork.
- Add cranberries, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Notes
- Use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Adjust herbs according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Garlic Herb Couscous, Couscous with Cranberries, Vegetarian Couscous