Quinoa + Couscous = Perfection

We have a winner of the Cacao Bliss giveaway (congrats, Karla!), but remember, your 10% off coupon for Open Sky is still good until tomorrow!

Smart Food

While I was home over the weekend, we picked up a cranberry couscous at Whole Foods to have with dinner. Funny enough, I didn’t think I liked couscous because of the texture. But that’s because I hadn’t tried Israeli couscous, which is much bigger, and which was featured in our cranberry couscous. Now that I loved!

Cranberry Couscous

So in honor of my new-found enjoyment of Israeli couscous, I decided to make my own last night. And of course, I threw in my grain/seed true-love, quinoa.

Quinoa Couscous

Quinoa Couscous

Serves 2-3

1 c. Israeli couscous

1 T. olive oil

1 c. quinoa

2 c. water

1 c. green beans

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1/4 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp dried thyme

1 c. cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

In a skillet over medium heat, saute the couscous with the oil until the grains start to turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the quinoa, water, and green beans. Lower the heat to medium-low so that the food is just simmering. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the remaining ingredients, and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the water is absorbed.

Serve with your choice of toppings. Topping ideas:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Shredded Asiago or Parmesan cheese
  • Red Peppers
  • Fresh herbs

I didn’t have any marinara sauce on hand, so I used a Red Pepper spread from Trader Joe’s and some shredded Asiago cheese.

Quinoa Couscous

I loved all the flavor and texture combinations in this dish. They went together perfectly! And I have enough leftovers for at least 2 more meals… score!

Quinoa Couscous

Smart Fitness

The weather is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous today, so I’m going to try to find time for a nice 10 mile ride outside. It will be my first ride on my new bike OUTSIDE!

Smart Life

We have a Madison blogger meet-up tonight, and I am so excited. It has been far too long since I last met up with all these wonderful ladies!

Are there any foods that you didn’t like until you tried a new variation of them?

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9 Responses to “Quinoa + Couscous = Perfection”

  1. April 14, 2010 at 10:02 am #

    I’m the same way! I don’t like the itty bitty couscous, but Israeli couscous is a whole different story :)

    • Julie @savvyeats
      April 14, 2010 at 2:54 pm #

      Definitely! SO good!

  2. April 14, 2010 at 10:04 am #

    That looks so good! I’ve actually never had Israeli couscous but that looks outstanding :-)

    • Julie @savvyeats
      April 14, 2010 at 2:55 pm #

      Thank you! It is really easy to make, too!

  3. April 14, 2010 at 10:09 am #

    Love Israeli couscous! I used to hate eggplant — it sort of freaked me out but once I started adding it to pizza then it was delish! Have fun at the meet-up tonight :)

    • Julie @savvyeats
      April 14, 2010 at 2:56 pm #

      Um, I still don’t like eggplant. Except for when it is in the curry I get at the local Thai restaurant… that is the only time I’ve liked it! I think the texture is too rubbery for me?

  4. April 14, 2010 at 10:27 am #

    i want to come to the blogger meet up.
    i could list a million reasons why.
    but i think you know them all.
    so i will just say this.
    have fun.

    • Julie @savvyeats
      April 14, 2010 at 2:55 pm #

      I will. And we’ll have another meet-up when you are in Madison next month.

  5. April 20, 2010 at 8:50 pm #

    This is such a great idea! I love mixed grain dishes. Yummm
    Oh, and cous cous is the best!

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