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A bowl of chickpea and pearl couscous gratin flavored with curry inspired flavors and topped with cilantro and chopped almonds for a satisfying plant-based dinner idea

Chickpea and Pearl Couscous Gratin

Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 30 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Yield: 8 people

Description

This recipe easily halves and if you do, cook it in one of two ways—simply follow the recipe here and bake it in a 9-inch square baking dish. Or cook it in a soup kettle until the liquid has absorbed and grains are tender, sprinkle it with the almonds, and carefully broil it until the almonds have browned.
*In this dish, we loved adding 1 cup of chopped dried apricots along with the cilantro.

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Pot of Beans or 4 cans (15 to 16 ounces) chickpeas
  • 2 cups or more broth, your choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, cut into small dice
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoon each: ground cumin, coriander, ginger, and turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups pearl couscous
  • 1 cup roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or 1/4 cup each: cilantro and mint
  • Salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. If using a Pot of Beans, soak and cook them, reserving chickpea cooking liquid in a 1 quart measuring cup. If using canned chickpeas, drain them, reserving bean liquid in a 1 quart liquid measuring cup. Add enough broth to equal 1 quart.
  • Heat oil in a large pot; add onions and sautĂ© until nearly tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and pepper flakes; continue to cook another minute or so. Add broth, beans, tomatoes, and couscous; bring to a simmer.
  • While mixture heats, chop almonds.
  • When mixture starts to simmer, stir in cilantro. (*If using apricots, add them now.) Taste and adjust seasonings, including salt and pepper to taste. Turn mixture into a 13- by 19-inch pan; sprinkle with almonds and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven, let rest a few minutes, and then serve.