Easy Tomato-Basil Pearled Couscous
This easy tomato-basil pearled couscous brings together the classic flavors of summer tomatoes and basil and delicious creamy fresh mozzarella cheese.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 486kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 shallots (peeled and minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- 10 ounces cremini mushrooms (trimmed and sliced)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ cups pearl couscous
- ½ cup white wine (or vegetable stock)
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 ripe tomato (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon dry thyme
- 4 ounces arugula
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil (loosely packed)
- Salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (to taste)
For Garnish:
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella (torn)
- Sliced basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the shallot and cook for 3-5 minutes until it just begins to turn golden brown.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Cook the Mushrooms:
- Add the mushrooms to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until they begin to brown. Melt the butter into the pot.
Toast the Couscous:
- Add the couscous to the pot and cook, stirring regularly, until it begins to turn golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the white wine and stock and bring to a boil.
Simmer the Couscous:
- Reduce heat to low and add the tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the couscous is almost tender and the liquid is almost completely absorbed. If the couscous seems dry, add a touch more liquid. Taste and season again to your preferences.
Cook the Greens:
- Add the arugula and basil to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes more until the couscous is tender and the greens are wilted. Turn off the heat.
To Serve:
- Divide the cooked couscous between shallow bowls and garnish with basil leaves, mozzarella, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and black pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 280mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 33mg
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