Toasted Pearl Couscous with Fried Eggs

15m
Prep Time
30-35m
Cook Time
45m
Ready In

Recipe: #44019

January 11, 2025



"Pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is toasted to release its natural wheat flavor, then it is cooked risotto-style for a rich, creamy consistency. It's an ideal base for runny-yolky fried eggs sprinkled with mix of za’atar and sumac."

Original is 4 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (130.4 g)
  • Calories 253.5
  • Total Fat - 8 g
  • Saturated Fat - 2.4 g
  • Cholesterol - 213.3 mg
  • Sodium - 3734.3 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 36.5 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 0.8 g
  • Sugars - 1.7 g
  • Protein - 8.6 g
  • Calcium - 59.8 mg
  • Iron - 2.1 mg
  • Vitamin C - 4 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the sumac and za'atar. Set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until simmering. Add the couscous and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

Step 2

To the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil, the shallot and minced garlic. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the shallot has softened, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Return the couscous to the pan, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pour in 1/2 cup of hot water and cook, stirring, until most of the water is absorbed, about 2 minutes. Repeat this four more times for a total of 2 1/2 cups water, cooking until the couscous is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, lemon juice, and scallions. Taste and season with salt, then cover and set aside.

Step 4

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil and the smashed garlic. Cook, stirring and flipping the garlic, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the garlic and discard, then reduce the oil to medium-low. Crack an egg into each quadrant of the pan and use a silicone spatula to gently push the edges of the egg whites toward the yolks to keep the eggs separate. Cover and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are runny, about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 5

To serve: place the couscous in individual bowls, topped with a fried egg and a generous pinch of the sumac mixture. If desired, sprinkle with harissa or hot sauce, such as Sriracha, etc. of your choice.

Step 6

*NOTE: don't use regular couscous in place of pearl couscous. Regular couscous is much finer, requires different hydration and doesn't have the right chewiness. Also, don't over-toast the couscous. Aim for a light golden brown; toasting beyond that produces a flavor that overwhelms the other ingredients."

Tips


No special items needed.

1 Reviews

JostLori

Very unusual and very tasty! We loved the addition of the sumac / za'atar seasoning on top. The couscous was reminiscent of risotto, so creamy! The runny egg on top, fried in the garlic-scented oil was the "icing on the cake"! Loved it!

5.0

review by:
(1 Feb 2025)

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