Saffron Couscous

Vegetarian
Health score
3%
Saffron Couscous
15 min.
6
226kcal

Suggestions

Embark on a culinary journey with a delightful twist on the classic side dish - Saffron Couscous! This exquisite, vegetarian recipe is not only simple and quick, requiring just 15 minutes to prepare, but it also promises an explosion of flavors that will elevate any meal. Perfect for serving six, this dish is packed with the rich taste of saffron, the nuttiness of toasted almonds, and the subtle sweetness of shredded carrots. Each serving comes in at a modest 226 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Dive into the aromatic world of this Saffron Couscous, where the traditional grains are transformed with the addition of luxurious saffron, lending a distinct golden hue and an unparalleled taste. The recipe cleverly combines the couscous with reduced-sodium chicken broth, ensuring each grain is infused with the right amount of moisture and flavor. The addition of freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful kick, while the butter ensures a silky texture.

The beauty of this dish lies not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. With minimal equipment required - a frying pan and a saucepan - and straightforward instructions, this Saffron Couscous is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick yet impressive side dish. The caloric breakdown, with a balanced proportion of protein, fat, and carbs, makes it a nutritious choice for any meal.

Whether you're looking to impress guests at a dinner party or seeking a comforting weeknight side, this Saffron Couscous is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian feasts. So, why not spice up your side dish game with this easy, elegant, and utterly delicious Saffron Couscous?

Ingredients

  • 0.3 cup almonds toasted coarsely chopped
  • servings pepper black freshly ground
  • tablespoon butter divided
  • 0.3 cup carrots shredded
  • 1.5 cups couscous 
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth reduced-sodium
  • 0.5 teaspoon saffron threads 
  • 0.3 tsp salt 

Equipment

  • frying pan
  • sauce pan

Directions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring broth, 1 tbsp. butter, the saffron, and 1/4 tsp. salt to a boil over high heat. Stir in couscous.
  2. Remove from heat, cover tightly, and let stand 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1/2 tbsp. butter in a small frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Add carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned in a few places, being careful not to burn carrot, 4 to 6 minutes.
  5. Stir carrot and almonds into couscous, fluffing with a fork. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Calories226kcal
Protein14.21%
Fat21.89%
Carbs63.9%

Properties

Glycemic Index
45.64
Glycemic Load
20.66
Inflammation Score
-7
Nutrition Score
7.1521739506203%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.15mg
Catechin
0.08mg
Epigallocatechin
0.15mg
Epicatechin
0.04mg
Eriodictyol
0.01mg
Naringenin
0.03mg
Luteolin
0.01mg
Isorhamnetin
0.16mg
Kaempferol
0.06mg
Quercetin
0.04mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:226.48kcal
11.32%
Fat:5.52g
8.49%
Saturated Fat:1.59g
9.91%
Carbohydrates:36.24g
12.08%
Net Carbohydrates:33.1g
12.04%
Sugar:0.68g
0.75%
Cholesterol:5.02mg
1.67%
Sodium:138.92mg
6.04%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:8.06g
16.12%
Manganese:0.5mg
24.95%
Vitamin A:1246.94IU
24.94%
Vitamin B3:2.61mg
13.03%
Fiber:3.13g
12.53%
Phosphorus:123.11mg
12.31%
Vitamin E:1.63mg
10.85%
Copper:0.2mg
10.15%
Magnesium:36.8mg
9.2%
Vitamin B2:0.12mg
7.32%
Vitamin B5:0.59mg
5.89%
Vitamin B1:0.09mg
5.84%
Potassium:191.02mg
5.46%
Iron:0.85mg
4.7%
Zinc:0.62mg
4.16%
Vitamin B6:0.07mg
3.59%
Calcium:32.19mg
3.22%
Folate:12.72µg
3.18%
Vitamin K:1.27µg
1.21%
Vitamin B12:0.06µg
1.05%
Source:My Recipes