Couscous is a must at our house!
Are you looking to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that's both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our delightful Pesto Couscous with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions! This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto, the hearty goodness of couscous, and the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and red onions. Let's embark on a culinary journey together as we explore this mouthwatering dish.
The Magic of Pesto: Bursting with Freshness
No pesto compares to the homemade kind. Combining the earthiness of fresh basil leaves, the creaminess of pine nuts, the pungency of garlic, and the richness of nutritional yeast, homemade pesto is a harmonious symphony of flavors. It is vibrant green and carries an unmistakable aroma that'll make your taste buds tingle in anticipation.
The Star Ingredient: Couscous
Originating from North Africa, couscous is a tiny grain made from crushed durum wheat semolina. It cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture that makes it an excellent base for various dishes. Couscous acts as a perfect canvas to soak up the flavors of the pesto, sweet potatoes, and red onions, resulting in a tantalizing blend of tastes with every bite.
The Nutty and Sweet: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions
Adding a hearty touch to this dish, roasted sweet potatoes and red onions contribute a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that complements the savory pesto, while the red onions add a hint of gentle sharpness. When roasted to perfection, these vegetables turn slightly caramelized and create a mouthwatering caramelized effect that enhances the overall taste experience.
Recipe: Pesto Couscous with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions
Ingredients:
For the Couscous:
2 cups Couscous
3 cups water (or vetatable broth)
For the Baked Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large red onion, cubed
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pesto:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
3 Tbsp. pine nuts (or cashews)
3 Large cloves garlic
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
3-4 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
3-6 Tbsp. water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a lined baking tray, toss the sweet potato cubes,sliced red onions and minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer for even roasting.
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Stir them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice and nutritional yeast. Pulse until finely chopped.
Gradually add the olive oil and water in a steady stream while the food processor is running. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste, and set the pesto aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water (or vegetable broth) to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover with a lid, and simmer on low for 20 min (or per directions on bag.) Stir half way through to help the couscous become fluffy.
Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and add 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared pesto (or desired amount). Toss gently to coat the couscous evenly with the pesto.
Once the roasted vegetables are ready, add them to the pesto-coated couscous. Gently mix everything together, ensuring that the flavors meld beautifully. We will often add the roasted veggies on top while dishing so that the kids can just have their couscous with the pesto.with our little kiddos we add our baked sweet potatoes and onions to the top of our dishes.
Serve your Pesto Couscous with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and added aroma.
In Conclusion: A Feast for the Senses
This Pesto Couscous with Sweet Potatoes and Red Onions recipe is a wonderful harmony of tastes and textures. The freshness of homemade pesto, the fluffiness of couscous, and the caramelized sweetness of roasted vegetables come together in a delightful medley that'll have you savoring every mouthful.
With the versatility to be served as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delectable flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Our family LOVES couscous and they ask for it frequently, we call our youngest son a "Carbivore" because he loves anything and everything that has carbs! 😁
So why wait? Embark on this culinary journey and treat yourself to a memorable meal that celebrates the joy of wholesome and delicious home-cooked food. Bon appétit!
This recipe is such a great find! My husband and I cook it literally twice a week now. 😋