Israeli Couscous and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 cup pearl couscous
Israeli
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup diced pimientos
- or more to taste1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 3 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- 1
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir couscous in the melted butter until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.
- 2
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until most of the stock is absorbed and the couscous have plumped, 6 to 7 minutes.
- 3
Stir heavy cream and pimientos into couscous; add cayenne pepper and cook until couscous is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until melted; add chives and stir to combine. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Israeli Couscous and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Looking for a comforting, cheesy dish with a twist on classic macaroni and cheese? This Israeli Couscous and Cheese recipe delivers a wonderfully satisfying meal that's both familiar and unique. It's the perfect way to enjoy the creamy, rich flavors of a cheesy pasta bake in a delightful new format.
This recipe works beautifully because Israeli couscous, with its tiny, lightly toasted pasta balls, makes an ideal foundation for a luxurious cheese sauce. Unlike smaller pasta shapes that can get lost, these pearl-like pasta pieces hold their own, offering a pleasant chew that's reminiscent of perfectly al dente macaroni. The rich blend of butter, heavy cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese creates an incredibly smooth and savory experience.
Prepare for a hearty, comforting dish where each bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. You'll taste the sharp, tangy notes of Cheddar balanced by the subtle sweetness of diced pimientos and a gentle warmth from cayenne pepper. Fresh chives add a lovely, bright finish, cutting through the richness. The overall texture is soft and tender, with the distinct, satisfying chew of the pearl couscous.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own. For a different flavor profile, you could swap the sharp Cheddar for Gruyere or a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, or increase it for a bolder kick. No pimientos on hand? Roasted red peppers, finely diced, can offer a similar sweetness and color. For a vegetarian option, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
This Israeli Couscous and Cheese is an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish at any gathering. Its rich, satisfying nature makes it a standalone meal, though it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad.