Herbed Cumin Couscous with Scallions & Lemon Oil

Herbed Cumin Couscous with Scallions & Lemon Oil 🍋🌿 Fluffy couscous is one of the fastest ways to make a meal feel complete. This version keeps it fresh and useful: warm cumin oil, sharp lemon, plenty of scallions, parsley, and toasted almonds for crunch. Serve it with roasted vegetables, grilled fish, chicken, halloumi, chickpeas, or a big tomato salad. Yield: 4 side portions Time: about 20 minutes Ingredients 🧾 - 1 cup couscous - 1 cup hot vegetable stock, plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 4 scallions, thinly sliced - 1 packed handful parsley, chopped - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup - 1/3 cup toasted almonds, roughly chopped - Optional: pinch of chilli flakes, crumbled feta, chickpeas, or extra herbs Method 👩‍🍳 1. Warm 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cumin and stir for 20-30 seconds until fragrant, not dark. 2. Add the couscous and salt. Stir so the grains are coated in the cumin oil. 3. Pour in the hot stock, cover the pan, and remove from the heat. Let it stand for 8 minutes without stirring. 4. Fluff the couscous with a fork. If it feels dry or tight, sprinkle in 1-2 tbsp hot stock and fluff again. 5. In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, black pepper, and a pinch more salt. 6. Fold the lemon oil through the warm couscous, then add scallions and parsley. Taste and brighten with extra lemon or salt if needed. 7. Finish with toasted almonds just before serving so they stay crisp. Serving ideas 🍽️ - Spoon it under roasted carrots, peppers, or courgettes. - Add chickpeas and feta for a simple lunch bowl. - Serve beside grilled fish, chicken, halloumi, or lamb skewers. - Turn leftovers into a salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and a splash more lemon. Storage tip 🫙 Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Refresh with a little olive oil and lemon before serving. Store almonds separately if you want the best crunch. Save this one for a fast, bright side that works with almost anything. ✨ Tasteloom.club - easy recipes for everyday cravings