Teresa's Recipes
Couscous Trapanese
Couscous Trapanese is a vibrant Sicilian dish that marries the nutty flavor of couscous with a luscious tomato and almond sauce, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes. This dish embodies the culinary traditions of Sicily, where fresh ingredients, like ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and crunchy almonds, come together in a symphony of flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also a testament to the island's rich history of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Couscous
- 1 1/4 cups Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 cups, diced (about 4 medium tomatoes) Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped Almonds
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated (for serving) Parmesan cheese
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork using a fork to separate the grains.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they begin to break down and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped almonds and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to toast slightly.
- Add the fluffed couscous and chopped basil to the skillet, mixing thoroughly until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the couscous trapanese hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- You can substitute couscous with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as pine nuts or walnuts, for added flavor.