Pomegranate and Pistachio Couscous

I often like to serve my tagines over a bed of light and fluffy couscous to soak up all of the extra tasty gravy. Normally I like to keep the couscous nice and simple so that it does not steal any of the thunder from the tagine but this time I wasted to dress it up a bit. I just could not resist adding some of those beautiful pomegranate jewels to the couscous and with a the red there already I just had to round it out with some green in the form of pistachios. Couscous can sometimes be a little on the dry side so I thought that tossing it in a vinaigrette would help keep it nice and moist and a pomegranate vinaigrette using pomegranate molasses was the perfect fit. I finished the couscous off with some fresh chopped mint and parsley. The pomegranate and pistachio couscous went really well with the pomegranate and date lamb tagine but it could also easily be served as a side for any number of dishes or even as a salad all by itself.

Pomegranate and Pistachio Couscous

(makes 4 servings)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup water (or broth)
1 cup couscous (I used whole wheat)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup pistachios (chopped)
2 tablespoons pomegranate vinaigrette
1/4 cup mint (chopped)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)

Directions:
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat, mix in the couscous, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Fluff the couscous and mix in the remaining ingredients.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

(makes 1/4 cup)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 clove garlic (grated)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Mix everything in a small bowl.

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