Saffron Couscous
on Jan 18, 2017, Updated Dec 10, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A bowl of sunshine. Goes with everything.
Saffron and couscous know each other very well, and they are perfect companions. ser ve tbhis with any Indian or Morroccan-inspired meal, and you’ll have elevated the whole dinner to another level.
This is barely a recipe, but you’ll be amazed at how much a little bit of saffron will do. You can serve this hot, as a side. Or, let it cool and incorporate it into any couscous salad where the sexy flavor of saffron would be welcome.
Perfect side dish for anything Mediterranean, anything lamb. Small couscous is a great grain to reach for if you default to rice (which many of us—and when I say us, I mean me—do). It takes an even shorter amount of time to cook, and it soaks up sauces beautifully.
Think of it for dishes like Loin Lamb Chops with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Sauce, Pan Seared Pork Chops with Madeira and Leek Cream Sauce, Chicken with Arugula and Mustard Pan Sauce.
Other grain and pasta side dishes that are great dates for lots of dishes:
- Sesame-Honey Quinoa and Carrot Salad with Sliced Avocado
- Herby Brown Rice
- Red Onion Mint Orzo
- Wild Rice and Broccolini Salad
Other couscous dishes:
- Couscous Salad with Shrimp, Roasted Tomatoes and Pesto Dressing
- Lebanese Couscous with Sautéed Kale and Lemon Dressing
- Artichoke, Feta and Roasted Pepper Couscous Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous, Swiss Chard and Peppers
- Tomato Bruschetta Couscous
Saffron Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup couscous
- Big pinch saffron threads
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan bring the water and butter to a boil. When the butter is melted, stir in the couscous, saffron, salt and pepper, cover the pot and allow to sit off the heat for 5 to10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
