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toasted couscous with mushrooms and peas served with salmon and roasted broccoli on white plate
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Toasted Pearl Couscous with Mushrooms and Peas: Easy, Flavorful Side Dish Recipe

A delicious side dish with the toasty favor of pearl couscous, the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the sweetness of peas, ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy recipe, side dish, toasted couscous with sautéed vegetables
Servings: 4 servings
Author: BlueskyatHome.com

Equipment

Ingredients

Mushroom and Pea Mixture

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, small dice
  • 6 cremini mushrooms thickly sliced
  • 1 cup frozen English peas thawed
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

Couscous

  • 1 cup pearl couscous
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

Toasting the Couscous

  • Heat the large saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
  • Heat the olive oil, then add the pearl couscous and stir to coat the couscous.
  • Cook for two minutes until the couscous starts to take on color and starts to smell toasted, stirring to keep from burning.
  • Add the two cups of water and stir to combine. Bring the couscous to a boil, stirring. Turn the heat down to a simmer, cover the saucepan and set the timer for 8 minutes. Check the pan, once or twice, and stir.
  • At eight minutes remove the lid and turn down the heat to low, stirring. Taste the couscous for doneness. It should be al dente, like pasta.

Sautéing Mushrooms and Peas

  • As soon as the couscous is set to simmer and covered, heat the cast-iron skillet to medium heat. Add two tablespoons olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and sauté for 3 - 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about five minutes until they are brown and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the peas and 1/4 to 1/3 cup broth and stir to combine, stirring for about 5 minutes.
  • Add the toasted and cooked couscous to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • When serving, sprinkle the toasted couscous with finely chopped herbs, such as oregano, parsley, or thyme.

Notes

This recipe can be easily doubled.