Israeli Couscous

One of my favorite things to do is replicating delicious restaurant dishes at home in healthier versions.  I am a J. Alexander’s fan and feel I’ve pretty much nailed their Israeli Couscous recipe (though my husband says I improved upon it!)  This recipe is creamy, slightly spicy, and a has a hint of Middle Eastern flair to it.  It’s so delicious that the fact it’s healthy is hardly noticed!

Creamy Israeli Couscous Recipe by Amanda's ApronI added a bit of Parmesan cheese as garnish, but it is easily left off for vegan eating.  This is one of my favorite on hand recipes because it is a fairly easy dish to whip up on a weeknight as a side or as a main course.

J. Alexander's Inspired Israeli Couscous Recipe by Amanda's ApronIsraeli Couscous Recipe inspired by J. Alexander’s, serves 2
1.25C vegetable broth
2/3C Israeli Couscous or some packages may refer to it as “pearl”
1/2C coconut milk
1/4C fresh parsley
1/2 medium onion
1/2 carrot
1/3 bell pepper
2 cloves of garlic
3 bay leaves
1T olive oil
1/2t cumin
1/4t salt
1/4t black pepper
1/4t white pepper
dash cayenne
dash curry

Parmesan cheese as garnish

Ingredients for J. Alexander's style Israeli CousCousHeat the olive oil in a medium sized sauce pan over medium-low heat.  Dice the onion, carrot, bell pepper, garlic, and parsley.  I chose to dice mine very fine so they wouldn’t be too much larger than the couscous itself.

Dice onions and carrots for Israeli CousCous | Amanda's Apron

Combine the onions and carrots together and cook for 3-6 minutes.  You want the carrots to soften, but not brown.

How to make Israeli CousCous | Amanda's ApronOnce the carrots are soft add in the stock, garlic, and spices.

Combine vegetable stock, onions, carrots, garlic, and seasonings for Israeli Couscous | Amanda's ApronIncrease heat bringing the mixture to a boil, then add couscous, bell pepper, and bay leaves.  Reduce heat to medium-low again and cook for about 8 minutes.

How to make delicious Israeli CousCous - recipe by Amanda's ApronOnce the couscous is cooked, stir in the parsley and coconut milk.  Though any milk could be used, I wanted to use a dairy-free milk and I love the way coconut milk can enhance Middle Eastern flavors.  Do not skip the milk step!  It is what binds all the ingredients together and brings out the creaminess of the couscous.

Middle Eastern flavored CousCous recipe | Amanda's ApronServe hot and garnish with Parmesan cheese if you’d like.  Mmmmmm.

Israeli CousCous Recipe by Amanda's Apron

If you have had J. Alexander’s version, how do you think this recipe holds up?

Delicious restaurant copycat recipe Israeli CousCous | Amanda's Apron

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9 comments

  • Heidi on March 31, 2013 at 6:40 pm said:

    Hi thank you for this recipe! I’m excited to try it this week! Is the coconut milk from a can or the carton?

    Thanks! :)

    • Amanda on March 31, 2013 at 10:56 pm said:

      Heidi, thanks for checking it out! I’ve used both kinds of coconut milk, and they’re both great. I tend to use carton milk more because it is a bit thinner and has less fat. Enjoy!

  • Kelly on October 23, 2013 at 1:36 pm said:

    I have never been a fan of Middle-Eastern food, but decided to give it a try. It was DELICIOUS! And the leftovers were perfect for lunch the next day! I have never cooked with coconut milk before – but now am hooked! Thank you for sharing!

  • Dawn on March 22, 2014 at 10:06 am said:

    I am so excited to try this! I do not have the recipe for J. Alexander’s couscous, but I did find their list of ingredients (in case you ever decide to revisit this recipe)…
    Steeped in chicken stock, garlic, onions, olive oil, tarragon vinegar, carrots, bay leaves and thyme. Tossed with fire roasted red peppers, basil, chives, and Garnished with EVOO imported parmesan cheese.

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