I must admit…I’ve been neglecting WishfulChef and haven’t posted in months! This Summer has been hectic with work, family functions and a trip to Germany, I just didn’t find the time. But September has begun and now I can breath and finally post a recipe! So now that Summer is over let’s think about the Fall season. My cranberry and pecan couscous is the perfect healthy dish to ease into Autumn weather.
I used Israeli couscous, an Israeli toasted pasta shaped into little balls that’s high in fiber. I think couscous is a bit bland, so I like to cook it with different herbs and spices. For this recipe I added a touch of turmeric giving the couscous a golden hue and tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette to balance out the flavors. And the great thing about this dish is you can eat it warm or cold.
Cranberry and Pecan Couscous with Orange Vinaigrette
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup Israeli couscous
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 3 tablespoons fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, or to taste
- 1/4 cup pecans, or to taste
- sliced green scallions
In medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in Israeli couscous, turmeric, thyme, tarragon and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes or until couscous is tender, then drain and place in a bowl.
For the vinaigrette, whisk together orange juice, vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour on couscous, then add in cranberries, pecans and green scallions; toss to combine. Serve immediately or eat chilled.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: makes 4 servings
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mimi says
Someone’s ready for the holidays!!! Love that you used turmeric for color in this couscous. And the pecans and cranberries? FAbulous!
Barb says
Thanks so much, Mimi! Love the turmeric in this dish!
Nadia says
I just made this for a picnic. It tastes just like Christmas! I’m sure it’ll be a crowd pleaser 🙂
Barb says
Great, I’m so happy everyone loved it! Thanks for your comment, Nadia 🙂
joey says
Hi,
I just found your site and love it..Yet i see your hubby is German and I have not seen any German recipes..
I am German and My GF is philipino so I try and make food for her and her Mom, like Kare Kare.is there some way to get updates from you?
Danke Schön, Salamat!
joey
Barb says
Hi Joey – Hmm, I actually have a lot of German recipes on my site! You just have to use the search function on the right side. Type in the word “German” and you’ll see a list of German recipes. And you can type in your email address on the top right to get email recipe updates. Thanks!