Name: Pearl Couscous with Lemon, Garlic & Oregano
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup pearl couscous; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Lemon zest, for garnish; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper

Pearl Couscous with Lemon, Garlic & Oregano is a delightful side dish that is packed with flavor. With its vibrant combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano, this recipe elevates simple pearl couscous to a whole new level. The Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, large couscous, or big couscous, provides a satisfying chewy texture that perfectly absorbs the tangy and herb-infused flavors. Whether served alongside your favorite main course or as a light and refreshing meal on its own, this dish will impress family and guests. Get ready to savor each mouthful and experience the delightful symphony of flavors in this Pearl Couscous with Lemon, Garlic & Oregano.

Ingredients for Pearl Couscous with Lemon, Garlic & Oregano

Pearl couscous: Also known as Israeli couscous, large couscous, or big couscous, this round pasta-like grain adds a hearty and chewy texture to the dish.
Lemon juice: The tangy and refreshing flavor of lemon juice adds a zesty kick, brightening up the couscous and enhancing its overall taste.
Lemon zest: The finely grated outer peel of the lemon provides a burst of citrusy aroma and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: This versatile oil not only adds richness and a subtle fruity taste but also helps to bring all the ingredients together.
Fresh oregano: With its aromatic and earthy notes, fresh oregano complements the lemon and adds a delightful herbal flavor to the couscous.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory and slightly spicy taste, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: These common seasonings allow you to adjust the flavor according to your preference, ensuring a well-balanced and seasoned couscous dish.

How to Make Pearl Couscous with Lemon, Garlic & Oregano

Start by bringing water to a boil in a medium pot. Boiling the water is crucial as it allows the couscous to cook evenly and absorb the flavors that will be added later.
Add pearl couscous and salt to the pot and simmer until al dente according to package instructions. Cooking the couscous to al dente ensures that it becomes tender while still maintaining a slight bite, giving it a pleasant texture when you take a bite.
Strain the cooked couscous and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Straining the couscous removes any excess water, preventing it from becoming mushy and helping the individual pearls to retain their shape.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, fresh oregano, and minced garlic. These ingredients are the star flavors of the dish. The lemon juice adds a refreshing citrusy note, the olive oil provides a touch of richness, and the combination of fresh oregano and minced garlic infuses the couscous with delightful aromatics.
Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Mixing the couscous and the flavorings ensures that every pearl gets coated with vibrant flavors, creating a harmonious and well-balanced dish. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Keep the couscous covered and off the heat until ready to serve. Allowing the couscous to rest covered helps the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive taste profile.
Just before serving, sprinkle lemon zest on top as a garnish. Lemon zest adds a burst of citrus aroma and visual appeal to the dish, elevating both the presentation and the flavor.

What to eat with Pearl Couscous?

Pearl couscous is super versatile and goes well with many different flavors, but here are some of my favorite pairings:

Yield: 2 cups