Pearl Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Are you craving something hearty and healthy for dinner tonight? Look no further than this pearl couscous recipe with roasted tomatoes and spinach. This delightful dish strikes the perfect balance between flavor, nutrition, and simplicity.

If you want to change up the texture and flavor of the plant-based foods you've been eating, this vegan dish is for you. We'll dive into what exactly pearl couscous is, how it differs from regular couscous, different ways to enjoy this dish, and, of course, how to store those precious leftovers.

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What is Pearl Couscous?

Let's start with the basics. Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous or pearled couscous, is a delightful pasta variety from the Middle East. Unlike the fine and granular texture of regular couscous, these little pearls are more like small, toasted pasta balls. They're made from semolina wheat flour, just like traditional couscous, but the difference in shape and texture gives them a unique appeal.

Pearl couscous was first introduced in the 1950s in Israel and quickly gained popularity in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Its larger size and slightly chewy texture make it an excellent candidate for absorbing the flavors of whatever it's cooked with.

Whether it's used in a salad, pilaf, or as a side dish, pearl couscous adds a fun and unexpected twist to your meals.

How is Pearl Couscous Different from Regular Couscous?

Now, you might wonder how pearl couscous differs from the familiar, tiny couscous we're used to. Here are a few distinctions:

1. Size and Shape: The most noticeable difference is the size and shape. Pearl couscous is (unsurprisingly) pearl-sized and round, while regular couscous is more like tiny grains of sand.

2. Texture: Pearl couscous has a delightful, chewy texture that can be likened to pasta, whereas regular couscous is much finer and often described as grainy.

3. Cooking Time: Pearl couscous takes a bit longer to cook than traditional couscous, usually around 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand. Regular couscous is often ready in just a few minutes with a bit of hot water or broth.

4. Flavor Absorption: Thanks to its larger surface area and sturdier structure, pearl couscous is excellent at absorbing flavors, making it a great choice for salads, casseroles, and more. Regular couscous can be more delicate in this regard.

5. Versatility: While regular couscous is primarily used as a side dish or in salads, pearl couscous can be the star of the show, whether in soups, stews, or as a base for various toppings.

Now that you know the differences, let's move on to why you're here—a delicious pearl couscous recipe you’ll want to make regularly because it’s great for any occasion!

Pearl Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Serves 4

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

• 4–5 cloves garlic, peeled

• 2-3 TBS olive oil

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

• 1 ½ cups of water or vegetable broth

• 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach, lightly chopped

• ½ fresh lemon

• ¼ cup pine nuts

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss tomatoes and garlic with 1-2 TBS olive oil and spread out in an ovenproof dish. Roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and the skins have burst. Remove and allow to cool slightly.

2. Cook pearl couscous according to package instructions in a medium saucepan, until couscous is tender. Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning into the water and broth for more flavor.

3. When couscous is fully cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Then, add the roughly chopped spinach to the pot and cover with a lid for 2-5 minutes. This step aims to wilt the spinach slightly (you could also saute lightly in a frying pan instead).

4. Combine cooked pearl couscous and spinach with roasted tomatoes. Toss with remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with pine nuts, freshly chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

The dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

Note: You don't have to roast the tomatoes; you could halve cherry tomatoes and toss them in raw to save time or if you prefer the taste.

You could also add in olives, fresh herbs, or other chopped vegetables you enjoy.

Visit our recipe library for more tasty dishes!

Steps to Make Pearled Couscous Recipe

The ingredients you'll need for this recipe are simple and easy to find in any grocery store. You'll need one cup of uncooked pearl couscous, two cups of vegetable broth or water, one pint of cherry tomatoes, a bunch of fresh spinach, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also get the pearl couscous online.

Adding some broth and/or Italian seasoning will give the couscous more flavor when cooking.

For the tomatoes and spinach, you can choose to add these vegetables raw or cooked. It's purely a matter of preference.

Here are a few general tips for roasting tomatoes:

1. Temperature and Time: Preheat your oven to about 400°F (200°C). Roasting tomatoes at this temperature helps to evaporate the water quickly and concentrate the flavor. Depending on the size of your tomatoes, this could take as little as 15 minutes but even up to 30 minutes.

2. Seasoning: Before placing the tomatoes in the oven, season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You don’t need a ton of extras with the natural flavors of the tomatoes shining through. For a more robust flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of herbs like basil or thyme.

3. Roasting Tray: Spread the tomatoes out on a baking tray in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Use a tray with a rim to prevent the juices from running over and dirtying the bottom of your oven.

4. Keep an Eye on Them: Roasting times can vary depending on the variety and size of tomatoes. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the skins start to blister and the tomatoes are slightly caramelized.

Once you have all the ingredients combined, a garnish of green onions, fresh parsley, pine nuts, and fresh lemon juice takes the dish from good to great.

How to Enjoy Pearl Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Spinach

Now that your mouth is watering, you might wonder when and how to eat this delectable dish. Well, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas for savoring your Israeli couscous creation, or leftover couscous you may have cooked up:

1. Main Course: This recipe can easily stand on its own as a satisfying vegetarian main course. It's bursting with flavor and nutrients, making it a delightful centerpiece for a weeknight dinner or lunch.

2. Side Dish: Serve a pearl couscous salad as a side dish to complement your favorite protein. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a hearty steak.

3. Salad: Transform your leftover pearl couscous into a flavorful salad. Add some fresh greens, toasted pine nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh meal.

4. Meal Prep: This dish makes excellent meal prep material. Portion it into containers, and you've got a week's worth of delicious lunches ready to go.

How to Store Leftovers

Speaking of leftovers, let's discuss the best way to store them. You definitely want to preserve the flavors of this dish for another day.

Refrigeration

To store leftover Israeli couscous, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure it's cooled to room temperature before sealing it and placing it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your leftovers will keep for 3-4 days.

Reheating*

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore moisture and prevent dryness if needed.

*Reheating is optional—you can also enjoy this dish cold or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can also freeze this dish, but it's best to do so without the spinach, which can become a bit mushy when thawed. Place the pearl couscous and roasted tomatoes in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, reheat in a pan or microwave, and add some spinach afterward.

A Perfect Easy Weeknight Meal

What makes this Israeli couscous salad recipe so great? Here are four big reasons to work this recipe into your dinner planning rotation.

1. Nutrition: It's a wholesome meal that includes complex carbs from the couscous, antioxidants from the tomatoes, and iron and vitamins from the spinach.

2. Quick and easy: It's so easy to make, even on a busy weekday night. All you need is one pot, one sheet pan, and some basic ingredients, and you can have a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.

3. Versatility: It's a versatile dish that can be modified to your liking. For example, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein, or swap the spinach with kale or arugula for a different taste.

4. Batch cooking: This pearl couscous recipe is perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. You can make a big batch of it on Sunday, divide it into meal containers, and bring it to work or school for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

As you can see, we have many great reasons to try this recipe!

More Recipes You May Like:

Quinoa Broccoli Salad

Vegan 3 Bean Salad

Easy Corn Avocado & Tomato Salad

Conclusion

In conclusion, this pearl couscous recipe with roasted tomatoes and spinach is a winner for many reasons.

It's a healthy, easy, and versatile meal that can satisfy any appetite and suit any dietary preference. Whether you're a busy mom, a college student, or a foodie, you can appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of this dish.

Happy cooking!