Couscous Pearls with Shrimp and Bell Peppers (30 Minutes)

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For a quick and nutritious meal, combining shrimp with couscous pearls is always a winning choice. Add the crunch of fresh yellow peppers, the juicy tang of cherry tomatoes, and a hint of parsley for a well-rounded flavor profile. This recipe, straightforward and fuss-free, brings out the natural flavors of its ingredients without unnecessary complications. It’s an ideal weeknight dish that’s both satisfying and packed with wholesome goodness. Ready to dive in?

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup couscous pearls (also known as Israeli couscous)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing your ingredients: dice the yellow bell pepper and tomatoes, and finely chop the parsley.
  2. In a medium pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the couscous pearls, reduce heat to low, and let them simmer until they’re tender and have absorbed the broth, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  3. While the couscous is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, or until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink, which should take about 2 minutes on each side.
  5. Toss in the diced yellow pepper and tomatoes, cooking just long enough for them to warm up but still retain their crunch.
  6. Fold the cooked couscous into the skillet, ensuring everything is mixed well. Drizzle with lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Feel free to swap out veggies or add a spicy kick with some chili flakes. The shrimp can also be marinated in advance with some herbs or spices for an added flavor layer. If you’re in the mood for wine, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully. Lastly, serving this with a side of garlic bread or a green salad can elevate your meal to restaurant quality.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/couscous-pearls-with-shrimp-and-bell-peppers-30-minutes/