If you love easy and tasty side dishes, this Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts Recipe is perfect. Couscous is soft, light and cooks very fast. When you add toasted pine nuts, it becomes nutty and flavorful.
This recipe is simple but feels special. You can make it for family dinners or when friends visit. I love how easy it is to prepare and how it pairs well with chicken, fish or roasted vegetables.
This recipe shows how to make couscous with pine nuts perfectly every time. If you want to know how to make Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts step by step, you are in the right place.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts
I tried this recipe for the first time last weekend. The couscous was soft and fluffy. Toasted pine nuts added a nice crunch. The flavors were mild but very delicious. I served it with roasted chicken.
Everyone enjoyed it and asked for more. I love that it cooks in just 10 minutes. It is simple and looks fancy too. Making it felt easy and satisfying. This recipe is now my go-to for quick dinner sides. It is healthy, light and tasty.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Saucepan with lid
- Medium skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon juice to taste (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Toast the Pine Nuts
Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Stir often until golden brown and fragrant. - Boil Water or Broth
In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add salt and olive oil. - Add Couscous
Remove from heat. Stir in couscous. Cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit 5 minutes. - Fluff the Couscous
Use a fork to fluff couscous. Break up any clumps. Make it light and soft. - Mix in Pine Nuts
Add toasted pine nuts to the couscous. Stir gently to combine. - Add Parsley and Lemon
Add chopped parsley and a little lemon juice. Stir for extra flavor. - Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts
- Use chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Toast pine nuts slowly to avoid burning.
- Fluff couscous with a fork for light texture.
- Add lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Make couscous just before serving for freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling couscous too long can make it mushy.
- Not covering couscous after adding water makes it dry.
- Over-toasting pine nuts can make them bitter.
- Skipping olive oil or butter can make couscous bland.
- Adding herbs too early loses their fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This couscous pairs well with roasted chicken, fish or grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a light salad. It works as a side for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Sprinkle extra pine nuts on top before serving for a fancy touch. A squeeze of lemon just before eating makes it taste fresh and vibrant.
Variations You Can Try
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness.
- Mix in roasted vegetables for a complete side dish.
- Use slivered almonds instead of pine nuts.
- Stir in crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Add chopped mint or cilantro for extra freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover couscous in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
- Do not overheat; it will become sticky.
- Fluff with a fork after reheating for best texture.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Health Benefits
Couscous is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Pine nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
This side dish is light, nutritious and easy to digest. It gives energy without being heavy. Adding fresh herbs and lemon boosts vitamins and antioxidants. Overall, it’s a healthy addition to any meal.
Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
- Lemon juice to taste optional
Instructions
Toast the Pine Nuts
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Stir often until golden brown and fragrant.
Boil Water or Broth
- In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add salt and olive oil.
Add Couscous
- Remove from heat. Stir in couscous. Cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit 5 minutes.
Fluff the Couscous
- Use a fork to fluff couscous. Break up any clumps. Make it light and soft.
Mix in Pine Nuts
- Add toasted pine nuts to the couscous. Stir gently to combine.
Add Parsley and Lemon
- Add chopped parsley and a little lemon juice. Stir for extra flavor.
Serve Warm
- Transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Boiling couscous too long can make it mushy.
- Not covering couscous after adding water makes it dry.
- Over-toasting pine nuts can make them bitter.
- Skipping olive oil or butter can make couscous bland.
- Adding herbs too early loses their fresh flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts
Q1: Can I use instant couscous instead of regular couscous?
Yes, instant couscous works well. Reduce boiling time to match instructions on the package.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use olive oil instead of butter and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q3: How can I store leftovers longer?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 2–3 days for best taste.
Q4: Can I prepare couscous ahead of time?
Yes, but wait to add pine nuts and lemon until serving to keep it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Couscous Pine Nuts Recipe is simple, tasty and quick. It is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Fluffy couscous and crunchy pine nuts make a delicious combination.
Follow these easy steps, and you will impress your family or guests. You can customize it with herbs, nuts or dried fruits. It is a versatile side dish you will want to make again and again. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, flavorful and elegant meal.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!