Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis, 2008

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Healthy Snacks

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (22)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(22)

Cook Time:
2 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 2 min
Inactive Prep: 10 min
Cook: 2 min
Total:: 14 min

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Ingredients

2 1/3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped
2 1/2 cups (about 1 pound) couscous
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted and skinned hazelnuts
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, if desired

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.

Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Nancy Holton, KS 01-25-2010
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Fabulous!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Just made this for the second time and my husband and I both love it! He likes couscous but was initially skeptical about... all the dried fruit. He's a convert and for the second batch he even chopped up the fruit!! I used the dried fruit from the recipe along with pecans and almonds and have not added any olive oil either time and I think it's just great. We're not big fans of sweet foods but this is not overly sweet so it's just enough. Try it!!!Read more
recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Sarah West Newton, PA 01-22-2010
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Delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Even though I'm a college student on a tight budget I'm going to make this as much as I can! Just have to wait for the dried... fruit to go on sale! This was the first time I had couscous and omg I love it! It's like a mix between noodles and grits. I didn't add nuts because they're too expensive and the recipe still turned out great. I also used a bag of dried mixed fruit instead of buying everything individually. I love this dish. Probably the best I've tried off of food net.com. Thanks Giada!! :DRead more
recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Tiffany tacoma, WA 01-17-2010
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Delicious!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for a lighter version of my husband's favorite rice pudding. It was awesome! I used pecans and almonds and the... same dried fruit as in the recipe. I added my fruitiest olive oil, just a light drizzle, on top. We ate it right out of the fridge for breakfast. I will be making this again.Read more
recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Bridget Fredericksburg, VA 01-15-2010
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SO GOOD!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I would give this 10 stars if I could! I did not add the olive oil and I used a 10 oz box of couscous and it came out... perfect (at least to me). Giada thank you for this recipe!! It is a perfect snack. The only problem is that I want to eat all of it in one sitting - and this recipe makes a lot. Will definitely be making this again.Read more
recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Jordan Oceanside, CA 01-12-2010
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Sooo good!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this for a quick snack and ended up eating it for an actual meal on more than one occasion! I really like it warmed up... a little rather than cold. I'll go back to this again and again!! Great job Giada!!Read more
recipe Sweet Couscous with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Jenn Little Rock, AR 01-07-2010
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Can't Stop Eating it!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Just finished making it and could lick the pan!! It does make a large amount. It is so good. I added the oil with a bit of... balsamic vinegar! YUM! You can't mess this recipe up, any fruit will work and any nuts. I'm not sure how healthy it is if I eat the entire pan in one sitting, but it has to be better than eating a roll of cookie dough! Read more