Pearl Couscous with Lentils, Carrots, Spinach, and Corn |
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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 25 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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This is a recipe that is great as a side or even as a meal. It's so hearty! It's great served warm or cold. I sometimes substitute chickpeas for the lentils, but be aware that they have a slightly stronger flavor. The white wine is used for flavor but can be left out if desired. Reduced-sodium chicken broth can be used. This recipe keeps well in the fridge and can be served warm or cold. Ingredients:
1 tablespoon sesame oil |
1 small onion, diced |
3 cloves garlic, minced |
1 cup canned lentils, drained and rinsed |
1 cup diced carrots |
3/4 cup corn kernels |
2 tablespoons dry white wine |
2 tablespoons chicken broth |
2 cups chicken broth |
1/4 cup dry white wine |
1 (10 ounce) box pearl (israeli) couscous |
2 tablespoons chicken broth |
2 tablespoons dry white wine |
2 cups baby spinach leaves, stems removed |
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste |
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste |
Directions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until garlic starts to brown, about 5 to 8 more minutes. Mix in the lentils and cook 3 to 4 minutes to blend flavors, stirring lightly. Stir carrots and corn kernels into the mixture. Reduce heat to low. Pour in 2 tablespoons white wine and 2 tablespoons chicken broth; let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally.
2. Bring 2 cups chicken broth and 1/4 cup white wine to a boil in a saucepan; stir in couscous and reduce heat to low. Simmer couscous until the liquid has been absorbed and the couscous pearls are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir 2 more tablespoons each of chicken broth and white wine into lentil mixture and lightly toss baby spinach leaves into the vegetables in the skillet until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer cooked couscous to a serving bowl and gently stir the spinach-lentil mixture into couscous until thoroughly combined. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with black pepper, and lightly stir again.
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