Fall Couscous Recipes

Steps:

• Toast the allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over a medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Place the couscous in a medium bowl. Pour the seasoned stock over the couscous and add the raisins. Gently stir to combine, then cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit until the stock is absorbed and the couscous is fluffy, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over a medium heat and cook the onions until translucent, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the mushrooms and cook until softened and caramelized, 5 minutes. Add the Swiss chard and continue to cook until it is fully wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Toss the Swiss chard mixture into the couscous along with about half of the parsley, then stir. Top with the remaining parsley and serve warm.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425°F Combine butternut squash, onion, olive oil, nutmeg, salt and pepper in large bowl. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until squash and onion brown slightly, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool. At this point, butternut squash and onion mixture can be frozen. Defrost in refrigerator for several hours or in the microwave.
• Combine defrosted squash and onion mixture, water or stock, butter and cranberries in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add couscous and cover. Take from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in pecans and parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Steps:

• Put the couscous in a small pot and add 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and remove from the heat. Let steep for at least 10 minutes, or up to 20.
• Put the slightly cooled couscous in a large salad bowl along with the carrots, pecans, cranberries, scallions, oil and lemon zest and juice, and sprinkle with the spices and salt and pepper. Use 2 big forks to combine, fluffing the couscous and tossing gently to separate the grains. (The salad can be made up to this point and refrigerated for up to a day; bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
• Stir in the parsley and sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning, moisten with a little more oil and lemon juice as you like, and serve.