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Home > Recipes > Side dish

Pearl Couscous With Almonds And Raisins

by Gabriela - Updated April 2, 2025 | Leave a comment
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Discover how easy it is to prepare this Pearl Couscous with Almonds and Raisins recipe. This is a quick solution for a flavorful side dish or meal starter that is suitable for everyone who loves couscous. It is also ready in less than 30 minutes.

Pearl couscous with almonds and raisins served in a bowl.
Jump to:
  • What Is Pearl Couscous
  • Pearl Couscous Versus Moroccan Couscous
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • How To Make Almond Raisins Couscous
  • Expert tip:
  • How To Store This Easy Pearl Couscous Dish
  • Recipe Faqs
  • More recipes to love
  • More side-dish recipes
  • Pin This Recipe
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

What Is Pearl Couscous

Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, ptitim, Jerusalem couscous, or giant couscous, is a type of pasta developed in Israel in the 1950s. It's crafted from semolina or wheat flour and water and is toasted, so the couscous has a nutty flavor and a satisfying, chewy texture closer to al dente pasta.

This couscous is larger than the more traditional varieties, which allows it to absorb flavors better, and makes a versatile choice in various dishes worldwide.

Differing significantly from Moroccan couscous, which consists of much smaller grains, pearl couscous offers a chewier texture and a stronger ability to absorb the flavors of the dish it accompanies.

Its larger grains give it a presence in dishes that Moroccan couscous can't quite match, and bring a distinctive and hearty element to your meals.

Pearl Couscous Versus Moroccan Couscous

Pearl couscous requires a longer cooking time, around 12-14 minutes, and is boiled in water or broth, much like pasta. It benefits from being stirred occasionally to prevent clumping. The result is a chewy and somewhat al dente texture, which holds up well in a variety of dishes, including salads and pilafs.

Moroccan Couscous cooks faster. In many quick recipes, it is simply rehydrated in hot water or broth for 5-10 minutes. The final product is much lighter and fluffier compared to the pearl variety.

Related: Spring green salad with pearl couscous and grilled salmon

With its rich history and unique characteristics, pearl couscous takes the center stage in our recipe today. I promise you will not only have a flavorful experience but also a delightful texture that adds a hearty element to a cozy meal.

Serve it with your favorite meats, use it as a hearty side dish, or make it the star of a vegetarian meal. This easy-to-make pearl couscous recipe brings a touch of international flavor to your dining table.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for Pearl Couscous With Almonds and Raisins.
  • Pearl Couscous: The star of our dish, bringing a chewy and satisfying texture to the table. You can definitely replace it with regular couscous or other grains, like faro or barley. Quinoa or orzo make great replacements as well.
  • Almonds: They add a crunchy contrast to the couscous; I used sliced almonds, but feel free to use pine nuts instead, based on your preference.
  • Cinnamon Stick and Bay Leaf: These spices infuse the dish with a depth of flavor, creating a rich and aromatic base.
  • Raisins: Introducing a note of sweetness, these perfectly balance the savory elements of the dish. You can replace them with cranberries for a more festive look.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness in every bite.
  • Lemon Zest: For a touch of zesty brightness that elevates the flavors.
  • Butter: Used to sauté the ingredients, it adds a rich and buttery note to the dish.
  • Onion: Bringing a subtle sweetness and texture that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.

How To Make Almond Raisins Couscous

This is a short summary of the instructions. Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the article to see the detailed recipe.

Step 1: Toast the almonds in butter, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the onions in the same pan until golden.

Toasting almonds and cooking onions collage of two images.

Step 3: Add couscous, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf; toast slightly.

Step 4: Add water and salt; simmer until couscous is tender and liquid absorbed.

Cooking the couscous with spices and water.
Cooked pearl couscous1200

Step 5: Stir in almonds, parsley, lemon zest, and raisins; mix well before serving.

Cooked couscous with spices and lemon zest- collage of two images.

Expert tip:

Feel free to swap out the water with a vegetable or chicken broth to add more depth of flavor to the couscous.

How To Store This Easy Pearl Couscous Dish

Once the pearl couscous has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm on the stove with a little water or broth to prevent drying.

For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, leaving space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Pearl couscous with almonds and raisins1200

Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of nuts in this recipe?

While almonds add a nice crunch and flavor, feel free to substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. Simply replace the butter with a vegan alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter.

What other dried fruits can I use instead of raisins?

If raisins aren't your favorite, you can replace them with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or dried cherries to add a sweet and tart element to the dish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

No, this pearl couscous recipe is not gluten free. Pearl couscous is made from wheat, so it contains gluten. Quinoa, short grain rice, buckwheat or rice cauliflower are good alternatives to the couscous. You might even find a gluten free version of pearl couscous.

Pearl couscous with almonds and raisins on white surface1200

Enjoy, and let me know what you think!

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  • Moroccan Chicken with Figs And Couscous
  • Pearl Barley Cranberry Pilaf In Instant Pot
  • Moroccan Chicken Soup With Chickpeas

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Almonds Raisins Pearl Couscous.

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Almond Raisins Pearl Couscous in a bowl with fork.

Pearl Couscous With Almonds And Raisins

Pearl Couscous With Almonds And Raisins- A perfect choice for vegetarians and not only. This is a side dish that can be served with meats or fish.
5 from 3 votes
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Course: Side dishes
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 455kcal
Author: Gabriela
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Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • ½ cup sliced almonds or pine nuts
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • 1½ cups pearl couscous
  • ½ large cinnamon stick
  • 1 fresh or dried bay leaf
  • 1¾ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup parsley minced
  • zest of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup raisins

Instructions

  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Add almonds or pine nuts and stir until golden brown. Then transfer to a small bowl.
  • Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion and sauté until golden.
  • Then add the couscous, the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and often stir until couscous is lightly brown.
  • Pour the water, add the salt, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 12-14 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the parsley, almonds, lemon zest, and raisins.
  • Serve.

Notes

Variations to the recipe:
  • Vegan option: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
  • Nut-free: Omit almonds or replace them with pine nuts or other nuts you like.
  • Add protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken.
  • Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing note.
  • Citrus: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
  • Dried fruits: Swap raisins for dried cherries or cranberries for a tart twist.
  • Cooking tip: Ensure couscous is al dente to retain a slightly chewy texture.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @thebossykitchen or tag #thebossykitchen!

This article was published in 2016 and updated with new images and text in June 18 2024.

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Gabriela the creator of The Bossy Kitchen

Hi! I am Gabriela, and this is my virtual home. I am a trained Pastry Chef and a self-taught cook. I inherited the cooking genes from my maternal grandma and the love for baking from my paternal grandma.

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