Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish with its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors. Whether you’re craving a refreshing salad, a hearty stew, or a flavorful pilaf, Israeli couscous has you covered. Join us as we explore seven delightful Israeli couscous recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests.

1. Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley and mint, chopped
• Lemon-herb vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked Israeli couscous with the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Add chopped parsley and mint to the salad for freshness and color.
3. Drizzle the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

2. Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes)
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• Goat cheese, crumbled
• Toasted pine nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the assorted vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked Israeli couscous with the roasted vegetables.
4. Garnish with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts before serving.

3. Israeli Couscous and Chickpea Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Spinach
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Vegetable broth
• Spices (cumin, paprika, turmeric)
• Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the cooked Israeli couscous, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot.
3. Season with spices such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric, to taste.
4. Simmer the stew until heated through and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro on top.

4. Lemon-Herb Israeli Couscous Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the Israeli couscous in vegetable or chicken broth infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve as a savory side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

5. Israeli Couscous and Pesto Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• Pesto sauce
• Roasted red peppers, diced
• Artichoke hearts, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh mozzarella pearls
• Toasted pine nuts
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the cooked Israeli couscous with pesto sauce until well coated.
2. Add diced roasted red peppers, chopped artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls to the bowl.
3. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves before serving.

6. Israeli Couscous with Grilled Shrimp and Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked according to package instructions
• Marinated shrimp skewers
• Chimichurri sauce
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Grill marinated shrimp skewers and serve them over a bed of cooked Israeli couscous.
2. Drizzle chimichurri sauce over the shrimp and couscous.
3. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

7. Israeli Couscous Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Israeli couscous, cooked in coconut milk
• Sliced bananas
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
• Honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Cook Israeli couscous in coconut milk until tender.
2. Serve the cooked couscous in a bowl and top with sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

These seven Israeli couscous recipes offer a variety of flavors and ingredients to suit every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing salad, a hearty stew, or a flavorful pilaf, Israeli couscous has something for everyone. Experiment with different combinations and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!