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Pearl Couscous with Herbs, Almonds and Pecorino

Pearl Couscous with Herbs, Almonds and Pecorino

By Diane Unger & Courtney HillApril 7, 2020

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    35 minutes
  • Active time plus cooling
    20 minutes active
  • Rating

This dish marries salty, savory flavors with fresh herbal notes and the nuttiness of roasted almonds. Fennel seeds add licorice undertones; grind the seeds to a powder in an electric spice grinder or with mortar and pestle (if you can find preground fennel seed at the store, use an equal amount). The herbs are less likely to discolor if chopped just before use; prep them while the pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous) cooks. Serve as a light main course, or offer it as a side dish to grilled or roasted chicken or lamb.

Tip

Don't forget to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot after adding the wine. Those bits build depth of flavor in the finished dish.

Ingredients
  • 2

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

  • 2

    ounces thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped

  • 1

    small yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 1

    cup pearl couscous

  • 1

    tablespoon fennel seeds, ground

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • ½

    cup dry white wine

  • 1

    tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2

    ounces pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (1 cup)

  • ½

    cup salted roasted almonds, chopped

  • ½

    cup chopped fresh basil

  • ½

    cup chopped fresh mint

Step 1

On a 6-quart Instant Pot, select Normal/Medium Sauté. Add the oil and pancetta, then cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the couscous, fennel seed and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Add the wine and cook, scraping up the browned bits, until reduced and syrupy, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups water, then distribute the couscous mixture in an even layer.

Step 2

Press Cancel, lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; make sure the pressure level is set to High.

Set the cooking time for 5 minutes. When pressure cooking is complete, quick-release the steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.

Step 3

Stir in the lemon juice, half the pecorino, half of each herb and half the almonds. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the remaining cheese, the remaining herbs and the remaining almonds, then drizzle with oil.