Date and Pine Nut Couscous

Oh the joy of dates! Dates are great in dessert settings, but we also love a good savory dish with dates. It’s easy to make and it’s sweet and delicious. 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 cup instant couscous
• 3 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
• 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, divided
• 2 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup dates, diced
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/3 cup fresh scallions, sliced thin on the diagonal
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh mint leaves, orange slices

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water, orange zest, cardamom and 1  tablespoon grapeseed oil to a boil. Stir in couscous, stir, cover pan, and remove from the heat. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
2. In the meantime, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice and pomegranate molasses. Add 1/4 cup grapeseed oil while whisking. Fold in the chopped mint leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Uncover the couscous and fluff with a fork and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the dates and the vinaigrette and toss until well coated. Serve sprinkled with the pine nuts, the scallions, some fresh mint leaves and orange slices. Bon appétit!

Tip: To release the flavor of the mint, hold the leaves in one palm and clap with the other.