How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I substitute couscous with quinoa?

Yes, quinoa can be used as a nutritious substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed.

What if I don't have fresh pomegranate juice?

Bottled pomegranate juice can be used; ensure it is pure juice without added sugars.

Can I make the pomegranate reduction ahead?

Absolutely, the reduction can be made and stored up to a week in the fridge.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Substitute with gluten-free couscous or quinoa for a gluten-free version.

Refreshing Tunisian Minted Couscous with Pomegranate Reduction

Name: Refreshing Tunisian Minted Couscous with Pomegranate Reduction
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Side Dish
Ingredients: Couscous; Olive Oil; Water; Salt; Fresh mint leaves; Pomegranate juice; Honey; Lemon juice; Cucumber; Cherry tomatoes; Red onion; Extra-virgin olive oil; Lemon zest; Apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper

A fragrant Mediterranean-inspired side dish bursting with flavors

This aromatic couscous dish is paired with a tangy pomegranate reduction, delivering a punch of flavors that's both refreshing and satisfying.

1 h 10 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Couscous

Couscous

1 cup

Olive Oil

1 tablespoon

Water

1 ½ cups

Salt

to taste

Fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup, finely chopped

For the Pomegranate Reduction

Pomegranate juice

1 cup, preferably fresh

Honey

2 tablespoons

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

For the Vegetable Mix

Cucumber

1 small, diced

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup, halved

Red onion

1/4 cup, finely chopped

For the Dressing

Extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons

Lemon zest

1 tablespoon

Apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper

to taste

Preparation

Preparing the Couscous

Boil Water

Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and olive oil.

Add Couscous

Stir in the couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Fluff and Add Mint

Fluff with a fork and mix in the chopped mint.

Preparing the Pomegranate Reduction

Combine Ingredients

Combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

Simmer Reduction

Simmer over medium heat until the liquid reduces by half, about 20 minutes.

Make sure the reduction doesn't boil over; maintain a gentle simmer. Pro tip: Use a wide pan to speed up the reduction process.

Cool

Set aside to cool.

Cooking Process

Couscous Cooking

Cover and let steam for a fluffy texture.

Reduction Simmering

Keep heat low to avoid burning the sugars while reducing the pomegranate mixture.

Vegetable Mixing

Combine the diced vegetables with the dressing for a fresh burst of flavor.

Plating & Serving