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Cranberry Orange Couscous Recipe

4.8 from 113 reviews

Cranberry Orange Couscous is a vibrant and quick side dish that combines the citrusy brightness of orange with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries. Perfectly fluffy couscous is infused with orange juice and enhanced with olive oil and fresh orange zest, making it a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday table or weeknight meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Boil Orange Juice: Pour the orange juice into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat, ensuring it is hot enough to cook the couscous properly.
  2. Add Couscous and Cranberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the couscous, dried cranberries, and salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Let Couscous Absorb Liquid: Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the orange juice completely and soften.
  4. Fluff and Season: After 5 minutes, remove the cover and fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains and evenly distribute the cranberries.
  5. Add Olive Oil and Zest: Drizzle the olive oil over the couscous and sprinkle with the orange zest. Toss gently to incorporate these final flavorful touches.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice if possible.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature for versatility.
  • Adding a squeeze of fresh orange juice before serving enhances the citrus aroma.
  • Adjust salt to your personal taste preference.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Couscous, holiday side dish, quick couscous recipe, citrus couscous, dried cranberries, easy side, healthy side dish