Citrus Saffron Date Couscous Pilaf

Ingredients

• fine couscous1 1/2 cups
• hot vegetable broth1 3/4 cups
• saffron threadssmall pinch
• olive oil2 tablespoons
• small onion, finely diced1
• carrot, diced small1
• pitted dates, chopped8
• orange zest1 teaspoon
• orange juice2 tablespoons
• toasted almonds, chopped1/3 cup
• ground cinnamon1/4 teaspoon
• fresh mint, chopped2 tablespoons

Method

1. 1Steep the saffron in the hot broth for a minute to tint and perfume it.
2. 2Warm the olive oil in a saucepan and cook the onion and carrot over medium heat until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Stir in the dates, cinnamon, orange zest, and orange juice, cooking for 1 minute more.
4. 4Pour in the saffron broth, bring just to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
5. 5Add the couscous, cover tightly, and let it steam for 5 minutes.
6. 6Fluff with a fork, fold in the almonds and mint, and season with salt to taste.
7. 7Serve warm as a side dish or a light main with yogurt and a simple salad.

Tips

• Use very hot broth so the couscous steams evenly without becoming gummy.
• If dates are especially dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes before chopping.
• A little extra orange zest at the end brightens the whole dish.

Nutrition