Israeli Couscous with Pistachios and Apricots

I don't even know what to say. The mere name of this recipe makes me salivate. I had to try it. And it was delicious.

Israeli couscous, that fun-sized pasta/grain that is oh so versatile, strikes again. Today it is commingling with fresh apricots and crunchy pistachios, along with fresh mint, lime, and fragrant spices. It's like a Middle Eastern festival in your kitchen. The original recipe called for dried apricots, but I figured while fresh ones are still in season, we ought to take advantage. You can certainly substitute dried if you make this at a time of year when fresh is not available.

This dish works well as a main course, side dish, or salad. Serve at any temperature you like. I can promise you, it will be good, it will be different, and it will be gone before you know it.

Israeli Couscous with Pistachios and Apricots
adapted from Veganomicon
serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 small (or 1 large) cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 cup Israeli couscous
1 1/4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
pinch ground cardamom
salt and pepper to taste
zest from 1 small lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 small apricots, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup shelled pistachios
juice from 1/2 small lime

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low. Add oil and garlic, and saute for one minute. Add couscous, raise heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until couscous starts to get golden brown and toasty. (This seriously amps up the flavor. Don't skip this step!)

2. Add water, cinnamon stick, cumin, cardamom, pepper, salt, and lime zest. Raise heat and bring to a boil. When it's boiling, lower heat to low and cover with a lid. Let cook for about 8 minutes, or until most (but not all) of the water is absorbed. Stir in the mint, apricots, pistachios, and lime juice, and cover again. Cook for about 4 more minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

3. Remove cinnamon stick, fluff couscous with a fork, and serve.

Enjoy!