Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

This Ina Garten Curried Couscous is a flavorful and easy side dish, which includes golden raisins and fresh parsley. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 25 minutes.

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Ina Garten Curried Couscous Ingredients

  • 1½ cups couscous
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups boiling water
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • ¼ cup good olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • ½ cup small-diced carrots
  • ½ cup minced fresh parsley
  • ½ cup golden raisins
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Ina Garten Curried Couscous

  1. Cook the couscous: Place couscous, butter, boiling water, salt, and curry powder in a large heatproof bowl. Stir once, then cover tightly with a plate or plastic wrap. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Fluff and cool: Once all liquid is absorbed, fluff couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt (or sour cream), olive oil, and vinegar or lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Mix in the vegetables and herbs: Add the carrots, parsley, golden raisins, red onion, and scallions to the fluffed couscous. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Season and chill: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe
Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Can I make couscous ahead of time? Yes, this dish actually tastes better after chilling for 30 minutes to an hour.
  • What can I use instead of golden raisins? Try dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or currants.
  • Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, it can also be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt or skipping it entirely.
  • How to make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño for a kick.
  • Can I use whole wheat couscous? Yes, just follow the same cooking method.

What To Serve With Curried Couscous

This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats or Middle Eastern-style meals:

  • Grilled chicken or lamb skewers
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Hummus and pita
  • Falafel
  • Yogurt-marinated salmon

How To Store Curried Couscous

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended, as the texture of couscous and fresh veggies may not hold up.

Curried Couscous Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: ~230 kcal per serving
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Protein: ~5g
  • Fat: ~10g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Sugar: ~7g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.

FAQs

Can I serve curried couscous warm?
Yes, though it’s traditionally served at room temperature or chilled.

Can I add chickpeas or other protein?
Absolutely. Chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp all work well.

How to make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based yogurt or skip the yogurt entirely.

Is couscous gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from wheat. Substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free version.

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Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

230

kcal

A fast, flavorful couscous salad with curry, golden raisins, and fresh vegetables—perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups couscous

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1½ cups boiling water

  • 1½ tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp curry powder

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar or lemon juice

  • ½ cup diced carrots

  • ½ cup chopped parsley

  • ½ cup golden raisins

  • ¼ cup diced red onion

  • 2 sliced scallions

  • Black pepper to taste

Directions

  • Combine couscous, butter, boiling water, salt, and curry powder. Cover and let sit 5–7 minutes.
  • Fluff couscous and let cool slightly.
  • Whisk yogurt, olive oil, and vinegar/lemon juice.
  • Add carrots, parsley, raisins, onion, and scallions to couscous. Toss with dressing.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Serve or chill.

Sarra

I’m Sarra Jhonson, the cook behind Tasty Treats Daily. In my tiny apartment kitchen, I try all kinds of recipes—weeknight dinners, baked treats, and quick sides—then refine them until they’re reliable. I write clear, step-by-step instructions in plain language, and I share what worked, what didn’t, and the tips that make it easier at home.