We successfully made it through the first round of holiday eating last month, and now we are just a couple of weeks away from the grand finale. Are you looking for something different to add to your Christmas menu? If so, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a Christmas side dish all will love.
This couscous with carrots, walnuts, and raisins is easy to make and healthy. If you haven’t tried couscous yet, you’ve probably at least heard of it. It is a quick-cooking grain that is far superior to rice and has become a staple in many cultures. It can be thrown into so many dishes to create a nice hearty but light base. Stews, salads,
This unique textured grain delivers a nutritional punch delivering fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and some valuable antioxidants, such as selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral you don’t need much of, but the little bit we do need provides powerful health benefits, including regulating thyroid function. Couscous is packed with selenium and delivers more than three-fourths of your daily needs in a one-cup serving. Whole wheat couscous packs more nutrients than the regular version, so when possible, opt for whole wheat.
For this Christmas side dish recipe, once you add in the carrots, walnuts, and raisins, you’ve got yourself a healthy winner!
Couscous With Carrots, Walnuts, and Raisins
Prep time Cook time Yields Serving Size
5 minutes 12 minutes 4 servings ½ C couscous
Ingredients
1 C couscous (try whole-wheat couscous)
1 tsp olive oil
2 Tbsp walnuts, coarsely chopped
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon
1⅓ C water
2 Tbsp raisins
½ C carrots, rinsed, peeled, and shredded or thinly sliced; cut in half
Directions
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, cook and stir couscous, olive oil, walnuts, salt, pepper, and spice just until couscous begins to brown.
- Slowly add water, then raisins and carrots. Cover. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Remove from the heat and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork. Serve immediately.