The Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is a light, colorful and flavorful side dish that combines fluffy couscous with warm curry spices, fresh vegetables, herbs and sweet dried fruit. It is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, seafood or lamb.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, picnics, potlucks and meal prep. If you want to learn How to make Ina Garten Curried Couscous, this simple homemade recipe is full of fresh flavor and comes together in less than 30 minutes. The Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is both comforting and refreshing.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret behind this recipe is blooming the curry powder in warm olive oil before mixing it with the couscous. This brings out a deeper and richer flavor.
Using warm broth instead of plain water gives the couscous extra taste. Fresh herbs, crunchy almonds, and sweet raisins create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Calories: 290 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Curried Couscous
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1½ cups couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup raisins
- â…“ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Additions
- Diced cucumber
- Chopped red bell pepper
- Dried cranberries
- Chickpeas
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. Heat The Broth
Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
2. Add The Couscous
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the couscous.
3. Cover And Rest
Cover the pan and let the couscous sit for about five minutes.
4. Fluff The Couscous
Use a fork to separate the grains until light and fluffy.
5. Bloom The Spices
Heat the olive oil in a small pan and stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin for one minute.
6. Combine The Flavors
Pour the warm spice mixture over the couscous and stir gently.
7. Add The Raisins
Mix in the raisins while the couscous is still warm.
8. Add The Herbs
Stir in the parsley, cilantro, and green onions.
9. Add Lemon
Mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
10. Add The Almonds
Fold in the toasted almonds for extra crunch.
11. Taste And Adjust
Season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
12. Serve
Serve warm or chilled with your favorite main dish.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Toast the almonds for richer flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein.
- Mix in diced cucumber for freshness.
- Use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- Add feta cheese before serving.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 430mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this curried couscous alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, baked salmon, shrimp or roasted vegetables.
- It also pairs well with kebabs, falafel, grilled tofu or Mediterranean salads.
- Enjoy it warm as a side dish or chilled as a refreshing salad.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Serve cold or gently reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Avoid overheating because couscous can become dry.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep because the flavors improve after resting.

Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1½ cups couscous
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup raisins
- â…“ cup sliced almonds toasted
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Additions
- Diced cucumber
- Chopped red bell pepper
- Dried cranberries
- Chickpeas
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Heat The Broth
- Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil in a saucepan.
Add The Couscous
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the couscous.
Cover And Rest
- Cover the pan and let the couscous sit for about five minutes.
Fluff The Couscous
- Use a fork to separate the grains until light and fluffy.
Bloom The Spices
- Heat the olive oil in a small pan and stir in the curry powder, turmeric and cumin for one minute.
Combine The Flavors
- Pour the warm spice mixture over the couscous and stir gently.
Add The Raisins
- Mix in the raisins while the couscous is still warm.
Add The Herbs
- Stir in the parsley, cilantro and green onions.
Add Lemon
- Mix in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Add The Almonds
- Fold in the toasted almonds for extra crunch.
Taste And Adjust
- Season with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve
- Serve warm or chilled with your favorite main dish.
Notes
- Toast the almonds for richer flavor.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add chickpeas for extra protein.
- Mix in diced cucumber for freshness.
- Use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- Add feta cheese before serving.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better after a few hours because the herbs and spices blend together beautifully.
Can I use whole wheat couscous?
Yes. Whole wheat couscous provides extra fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor while cooking in a similar amount of time.
Is this recipe served warm or cold?
Both options work well. It is delicious warm as a side dish or chilled as a refreshing salad.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced cucumber, roasted carrots, bell peppers, peas and spinach all make wonderful additions.
What protein pairs best with curried couscous?
Grilled chicken, roasted lamb, baked fish, shrimp, grilled tofu and chickpeas all complement the warm curry flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Curried Couscous Recipe is light, flavorful and packed with colorful ingredients. Warm curry spices, fluffy couscous, fresh herbs and crunchy almonds create a delicious side dish that works with many meals.
Now you know How to make Ina Garten Curried Couscous using simple ingredients and easy steps. Gather the Ingredients for Ina Garten Curried Couscous and enjoy a homemade dish that is perfect for everyday dinners and special occasions.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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