Moroccan Couscous with Golden Onions and Peas
Warm spices, golden tender onions, and lightly toasted couscous come together in this flavorful, versatile Moroccan Couscous side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee, butter, or olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric or a large pinch saffron
- 1 cup couscous
- ½ cups peas no need to thaw if frozen
- 1 cup water or broth
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Cook the Onions
- Heat the ghee, butter, or olive oil in the base of a stovetop-safe tagine or a 9- to 10-inch skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-low heat. Add the onion and a small pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the slowly developed sweetness gives the couscous much of its flavor.
Bloom the spices
- Add the cumin and turmeric or saffron. Cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Toast the couscous
- Add the couscous and stir until every grain is coated in the seasoned fat. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes, until the couscous smells lightly toasted.
Add the liquid and peas
- Stir in the broth or water and the frozen peas. Season lightly with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that broth may already contain salt. Increase the heat and bring the liquid just to a boil.
Steam the couscous
- Cover the tagine or skillet and remove it from the heat. Let the couscous steam, undisturbed, for 5 minutes or according to the package directions.
Fluff and serve
- Uncover and gently fluff the couscous with a fork, separating the grains as you go. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Use a wide cooking surface: A tagine works especially well because its broad base spreads the couscous into a shallow layer, while the conical lid circulates the steam. A 9- to 10-inch skillet with a tight-fitting lid gives a similar result. The wider surface helps the couscous steam evenly, producing a lighter, more grain-like texture with less clumping than a narrow saucepan.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 servingCalories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 56mgPotassium: 191mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 321IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
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