Green Herb Couscous
A vibrant, herb-infused side dish packed with fresh parsley, mint, and cilantro, elevated with toasted pine nuts and a zesty lemon finish.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups medium couscous (250g)
- •1.5 cups vegetable stock (360ml)
- •1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, packed (30g)
- •1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed (30g)
- •1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, packed (15g)
- •2 scallions, chopped
- •1 small jalapeño or green chili, seeded and chopped
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (80ml)
- •Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- •1/3 cup pine nuts (45g), toasted
Instructions
- 1
Bring the vegetable stock to a boil in a small saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
- 2
Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, pour the boiling stock over top, cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and let steam undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- 3
While the couscous steams, place the parsley, cilantro, mint, scallions, green chili, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, ground cumin, remaining salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil into a food processor.
- 4
Blend the herb mixture until smooth and brightly colored, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 5
Uncover the couscous and fluff the grains thoroughly using a fork.
- 6
Pour the fresh green herb purée over the warm couscous and gently fold until every grain is evenly coated and vividly green.
- 7
Scatter the toasted pine nuts over the top just before serving warm or at room temperature.
💡 Chef tips
- Make-ahead: The herb purée can be blended up to 24 hours in advance; store in an airtight container with a thin drizzle of olive oil on top to preserve its bright color.
- Substitutions: Swap pine nuts for toasted sliced almonds or pistachios, or add a handful of baby spinach to the blender for an even richer green shade.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; enjoy chilled as a refreshing grain salad or at room temperature.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features light, fluffy grains steeped in a striking jade-green hue, delivering a burst of fresh herbal aroma, bright citrus flavor, and a satisfying nut crunch.