Quick Couscous with Raisins and Carrots

Rating: 3.95 stars
22 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 6
  • 4 star values: 11
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 2
  • 1 star values: 0

I make this when I need a quick side dish for chicken or pork. If you make couscous (a Middle Eastern pasta) a pantry staple, you usually have all the ingredients on hand! Add other veggies (zucchini, corn, peas, etc.) to make it your own.

By Melissa Hamilton

Gallery
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Recipe Summary

prep:
10 mins
cook:
5 mins
additional:
5 mins
total:
20 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
Nutrition Info
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Ingredients

6
Original recipe yields 6 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook and stir the carrots and onion until the carrots begin to soften and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the couscous, mixing well to avoid lumps, cover, and remove from the heat. Let the couscous stand covered until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

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  • Stir in the raisins, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
264 calories; protein 6.2g 12% DV; carbohydrates 41.9g 14% DV; fat 8g 12% DV; cholesterol 20.3mg 7% DV; sodium 76mg 3% DV. Full Nutrition
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Reviews (20)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

Jen Letourneau
Rating: 4 stars
04/26/2010
I made this with no water all chicken broth and a bit more raisins. I also used corn instead of carrots (it's what was in the freezer)... I have to say that couscous is typically bland to begin with! But this was a very quick and easy recipe that is an excellent side dish. I think using only chicken broth (low sodium version) helped immensely with the "lack of flavor" listed in other reviews. Overall fast recipe for this mom on the go and goes well with everything from chicken nuggets to pork chops. Read More
Helpful
(17)

Most helpful critical review

Bobbi
Rating: 2 stars
10/22/2009
I followed the recipe except for the raisins I cooked them in the water before adding the couscous to plump them up. The recipe was quite bland needed more salt to bring out the flavors I did use 1 whole boullion cube in the water but it still wasn't salty enough. It needs something not sure what. Maybe it'll taste better the next day? Read More
Helpful
(12)
22 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 6
  • 4 star values: 11
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 2
  • 1 star values: 0
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
Jen Letourneau
Rating: 4 stars
04/26/2010
I made this with no water all chicken broth and a bit more raisins. I also used corn instead of carrots (it's what was in the freezer)... I have to say that couscous is typically bland to begin with! But this was a very quick and easy recipe that is an excellent side dish. I think using only chicken broth (low sodium version) helped immensely with the "lack of flavor" listed in other reviews. Overall fast recipe for this mom on the go and goes well with everything from chicken nuggets to pork chops. Read More
Helpful
(17)
Bobbi
Rating: 2 stars
10/22/2009
I followed the recipe except for the raisins I cooked them in the water before adding the couscous to plump them up. The recipe was quite bland needed more salt to bring out the flavors I did use 1 whole boullion cube in the water but it still wasn't salty enough. It needs something not sure what. Maybe it'll taste better the next day? Read More
Helpful
(12)
KrnB_23
Rating: 4 stars
03/15/2011
I made a couple modifications - I used 1 Tbsp olive oil instead of the butter and I used 2 c. lower sodium chicken broth instead of the broth and water. And based on someone's suggestion below I added the raisins with the broth so they were plump. With these modifications the dish was a big hit even with my 5-year olds. I may add more raisins next time (and use golden raisins if I remember to get them). Read More
Helpful
(8)
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teddybear
Rating: 3 stars
03/18/2010
I prepared this following the recipe but added a little more raisins. My daughter thought the raisins were too sweet; but she did agree with her husband that the carrots and onions added some much needed flavor to the couscous. I still think it needs more salt added. I did use chicken broth but may switch the amounts of water vs. chicken broth the next time I prepare it. Read More
Helpful
(6)
DeidreST
Rating: 5 stars
03/21/2011
Great dish. I'm not a big fan of raisins, so I used Craisins instead. The combination of carrots & Craisins made this dish a winner! I'll be enjoying this again & again. Read More
Helpful
(6)
kellylachy
Rating: 4 stars
01/31/2012
The raisins were the best part of this! I also added some leftover veggies I had lying around: leeks and zucchini and a bit of plain yogurt right before adding the raisins. Amazing! I will definitely make this again! Read More
Helpful
(4)
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LatinaCook
Rating: 5 stars
01/24/2012
I used whole wheat couscous and found the combination of sweet and savory very pleasing and intriguing. I really enjoyed this dish. I used all water though because I didn't want to open a can of chicken broth just to take 1/2 cup out. I used golden raisins. Read More
Helpful
(4)
mrs.dean
Rating: 3 stars
01/11/2010
made this for my husband he adored it I thought it was ok Read More
Helpful
(4)
DDSMOM
Rating: 4 stars
03/08/2011
I altered the recipe based on other's comments. My butter is soy/dairy free since my son has allergies to both. I didn't put as much onions and isntead of raisins; added corn cause I didn't want it sweet. I did do 1 cup no chicken stock and 1 cup of water with a pinch of sea salt and it turned out very tasty. Both of my kids actually enjoyed it. Read More
Helpful
(3)
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