Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is flavorful, easy and perfect as a side or light meal. This couscous dish is soft, fluffy and full of warm curry spices.

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe combines vegetables, herbs and spices for a colorful, tasty dish. It is simple to make and pairs well with chicken, fish or roasted vegetables.

Learning how to make Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is quick and enjoyable. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this recipe for a family dinner. The aroma of curry and vegetables filled the kitchen. Cooking couscous was quick and easy and the vegetables roasted perfectly.

Mixing the warm couscous with curry spices created a rich, comforting flavor. My family loved the soft texture and colorful presentation.

It felt both elegant and healthy. I also appreciated how fast it came together. Now, this curried couscous is my go-to side dish for any meal.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Curried Couscous
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Side Dish or Light Meal
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean
• Calories: about 280 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small carrot, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare broth

In a medium saucepan, bring broth, olive oil, salt and curry powder to a gentle boil.

2. Add couscous

Stir in couscous, cover saucepan with lid and remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes to absorb liquid.

3. Fluff couscous

After 5 minutes, use a fork to fluff couscous. Break up any clumps and create a light, airy texture.

4. Prepare vegetables

While couscous cooks, dice carrot, zucchini and red bell pepper evenly for consistent cooking and texture.

5. Sauté vegetables

Heat a small skillet with olive oil. Cook vegetables 3–4 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

6. Combine couscous and vegetables

Add cooked vegetables to fluffed couscous. Stir gently to combine and distribute vegetables evenly.

7. Season with spices

Add turmeric, black pepper and additional curry powder if desired. Stir to mix spices evenly throughout couscous.

8. Add parsley and almonds

Sprinkle fresh parsley and toasted almonds over couscous. Stir gently to combine for flavor and texture.

9. Taste and adjust

Taste curried couscous and add more salt, pepper or curry if needed. Adjust to your preference.

10. Serve warm

Transfer couscous to a serving bowl. Serve immediately as a side dish or light meal.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

• Use fresh vegetables for better taste and color
• Toast almonds to enhance flavor and crunch
• Do not overcook couscous to keep fluffy texture
• Fluff couscous gently with fork to avoid clumping
• Adjust curry powder to your preferred spice level

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much liquid, which makes couscous mushy
• Skipping fluffing step, causing clumped texture
• Overcooking vegetables, losing crispness and color
• Adding spices too early, losing aroma and freshness
• Not tasting and adjusting seasoning before serving

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ina Garten Curried Couscous warm alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish or vegetable dishes.

It also works as a light vegetarian meal. The dish is colorful and aromatic, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Variations You Can Try

• Add cooked chickpeas for protein
• Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness
• Use different vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach
• Add feta cheese for creamy texture and flavor
• Serve chilled as a curried couscous salad

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for 2–3 days
• Reheat in microwave or on stovetop with small splash of broth
• Do not overheat to prevent couscous from drying
• Fluff couscous before serving after reheating
• Can be served cold as a salad next day

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	280 kcal
Carbohydrates	45 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	Moderate

Health Benefits

Curried couscous is nutritious and light. Couscous provides fiber and carbohydrates for energy. Vegetables add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Curry and turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties.

Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats. This dish is flavorful while supporting a balanced diet. It is perfect for a healthy, vegetarian-friendly side or meal.

FAQs about Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

1. Can I use instant couscous?
Yes, instant couscous cooks faster. Adjust liquid according to package instructions for best texture.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free couscous or substitute with quinoa for a similar texture and taste.

3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, cook couscous and vegetables separately. Combine and reheat before serving for convenience.

4. Can I add protein?
Yes, add cooked chicken, shrimp or chickpeas for a complete meal with extra protein.

5. Can I serve it cold?
Yes, chill in fridge and serve as a curried couscous salad with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is easy, colorful and full of flavor. It pairs well with many dishes and is perfect for quick, healthy meals.

With simple steps and fresh ingredients, anyone can make this dish at home. Serve warm or chilled and enjoy a light, aromatic and satisfying meal any day of the week.