Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp

Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp from Egypt

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This recipe for Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. The combination of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and toasted pine nut couscous is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from tiny grains of steamed semolina. It is often served as a side dish or as a base for meat or vegetable stews. In this recipe, we have taken traditional couscous and added a modern twist by toasting pine nuts and incorporating garlic shrimp for a unique and delicious flavor combination.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh or frozen large shrimp
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried tarragon, crushed
0.5 tsp dried thyme, crushed
0.25 tsp old bay seasoning (or celery salt)
1 5.6 oz (159 g) package toasted pine nut couscous mix
1.25 cups chicken broth
0.67 cup sliced green onion
0.33 cup lemon juice
0.25 cup melted butter
1 6 oz (170 g) package baby spinach
Shredded parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Peel, devein, and rinse the shrimp, then pat them dry. Place the shrimp in a large self-sealing plastic bag. Add oil, garlic, tarragon, thyme, and Old Bay seasoning, then seal the bag. Gently turn and massage the bag to coat the shrimp with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
Prepare the couscous according to the package directions, substituting the chicken broth for water. Stir the onions into the couscous. Set aside.
Combine the lemon juice and butter in a bowl, and set it aside.
Saute the shrimp in a large skillet with the marinade over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until the shrimp turns opaque. Do not overcook, or the shrimp will be tough. Pour half of the butter over the shrimp.
To serve, divide the spinach among individual bowls. Spoon the couscous onto the spinach. Arrange the shrimp on the couscous and pour the remaining lemon butter over everything. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the couscous for extra flavor.
Use quinoa or rice instead of couscous for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly marinate the shrimp to infuse them with flavor before cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the couscous will enhance their nutty flavor.

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the butter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the shrimp for at least one hour to enhance their flavor.

- Saute the shrimp in a hot skillet to quickly cook them without overcooking.

- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown to bring out their nutty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

- Replace the pine nuts with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

- Swap out the spinach for arugula or kale for a different green base.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the shrimp and prepare the couscous ahead of time, then cook the shrimp and assemble the dish just before serving.

- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the dish in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and nuts (pine nuts)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. With a combination of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and toasted pine nut couscous, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for lunch. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma. Margaret was busy at the stove, tossing shrimp in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, while a pot of couscous simmered on the back burner. The whole scene was a feast for the senses, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

Margaret noticed my curiosity and smiled, knowing she had piqued my interest. "This is one of my favorite recipes to make," she said. "It's simple yet elegant, and the flavors are just divine." She went on to explain how she had learned the recipe from a friend who had traveled to Morocco and brought back a traditional couscous recipe. Margaret had put her own spin on it, adding toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch and juicy shrimp for a protein boost.

I watched as Margaret effortlessly cooked the shrimp until they were perfectly pink and the garlic had caramelized to a golden brown. She then stirred in the cooked couscous, along with a handful of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. The final touch was a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The nutty couscous paired perfectly with the juicy shrimp, and the garlic butter sauce tied everything together beautifully. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp in my own kitchen. I experimented with different ratios of garlic, butter, and lemon juice, until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I also learned the importance of toasting the pine nuts just right, so they added a delightful crunch without burning.

I shared the recipe with my family, who quickly fell in love with it. It became a staple at our dinner table, and I was always happy to make it whenever someone requested it. The dish was a hit at potlucks and dinner parties, and I was proud to share the recipe with anyone who asked.

Years passed, and I continued to make the Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp for my loved ones. It became a family tradition, a dish that we would make together on special occasions and holidays. Each time I made it, I felt a deep sense of nostalgia, remembering that first time I saw the recipe at Margaret's house.

As I grew older, I realized the importance of passing down recipes to the next generation. I wanted my grandchildren to experience the joy of cooking and sharing meals with their loved ones. So I took the time to teach them how to make the Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp, sharing the story of how I first learned the recipe and how it had become a beloved family tradition.

Now, whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they always ask to make the Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp with me. We spend hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, and toasting pine nuts. It's a time of bonding and laughter, as we share stories and create memories together.

I may have learned the recipe for Toasted Pine Nut Couscous with Garlic Shrimp from a friend, but it has become so much more than just a dish to me. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to pass down traditions from one generation to the next. And for that, I will always be grateful.