Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that combines pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. This dish features tender pearl couscous cooked in a savory broth with sweet cherry tomatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, aromatic garlic and onions, and tangy feta cheese. Finished with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, this skillet meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or a wholesome side dish. It’s versatile, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Recipe: Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 and 3/4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Toast the Pearl Couscous:
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the pearl couscous and toast, stirring frequently, until lightly golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the toasted couscous to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Tomatoes and Chickpeas:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Pearl Couscous and Broth:
- Return the toasted pearl couscous to the skillet. Stir to combine with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and Cook:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with Feta and Herbs:
- Once the couscous is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the couscous mixture.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve:
- Serve the Pearl Couscous Skillet warm, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over individual servings.
Tips:
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the broth with white wine during cooking.
- Customize the dish by adding spinach or kale leaves during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
- For extra protein, serve the skillet with grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.
Variations:
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Replace chickpeas with cannellini beans or black beans for variety.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of pine nuts for additional flavor and texture.
Pearl Couscous Skillet with Tomatoes, Chickpeas, and Feta is a wholesome and delicious dish that brings together Mediterranean flavors in a satisfying one-pan meal. Enjoy the combination of tender couscous, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs for a delightful dining experience!