Imagine a vibrant, sun-kissed dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite. This Summer Squash Couscous with Sultanas, Pistachios, and Mint is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Perfect for those seeking a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that will impress both family and guests, this Middle Eastern-inspired creation promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium summer squash, diced
- 1/2 cup sultanas
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add couscous, stir briefly, then remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow couscous to absorb liquid.
- While couscous is resting, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced summer squash and sauté for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add sautéed squash, sultanas, chopped pistachios, and fresh mint to the couscous. Gently fold ingredients together to distribute evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a light side dish or vegetarian main course. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves if desired.
Tips
- Liquid Absorption is Key: When preparing couscous, remove from heat and let it steam covered. This ensures perfectly fluffy grains without becoming mushy.
- Toasting Nuts Enhances Flavor: Consider lightly toasting the pistachios in a dry skillet before chopping to bring out their rich, nutty essence.
- Fresh Matters: Use fresh mint leaves for the brightest flavor. If possible, pick them just before cooking for maximum aromatic impact.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to experiment with different summer squash varieties like zucchini or yellow squash to keep the recipe exciting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better after the flavors have melded, so it's perfect for meal prep or picnics.
- Serving Suggestion: For added texture, consider serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
