Whole Wheat Couscous Pilaf with Fruits and Nuts ~ Day 104

A refreshing and flavorful couscous pilaf tossed with fruits and nuts.  This quick, healthy, and delicious recipe takes only 15 minutes to put together and is a perfect option for a busy weekday dinner.  

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Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

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Ingredients: 

• Couscous - 1 cup ( I used whole wheat Couscous)
• Water - 1 cup
• Butter - 2 tbsp
• Saffron - few strands, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
• Ghee - 2 tbsp
• Raisins - 1/4 cup
• Mixed nuts - 1/2 cup, roughly chopped (Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios)
• Fennel seeds - 2 tsp
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cloves - 5
• Cardamom - 2
• Bay leaf - 1
• Onion - 1, thinly sliced
• Green chilies - 2, slit
• Ginger - 1 tbsp, grated
• Mixed fruit - 1 cup, diced (apple, pineapple, grapes and, or pomegranates)
• Salt and pepper - to taste

Method:

1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tbsp butter, and 1/2 tsp salt.  Bring it to a boil.  Remove from the heat and pour 1 cup dry couscous into the water.  Stir well, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a deep skillet.  Add the raisins and fry until puffy.  Add the nuts and fry for 30 seconds.  Transfer it to a bowl and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp ghee.  Add the fennel seeds,cinnamon. cloves, cardamom, and bay leaf. Fry for 15 seconds.  Add the onion, green chiles, and ginger.  Saute until soft.
4. Add the fruits and saute for a minute.  Add the couscous along with soaked saffron, fried raisins and nuts.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir well to combine.
5. Serve warm with your choice of raita.