30-Minute Zucchini Tomato Israeli Couscous

A quick, flavorful weeknight meal that comes together with minimal prep and simple pantry staples.

Recipe At A Glance

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 3

Ingredients

• ⅔ cup Israeli couscous

• ½ teaspoon fine salt (plus extra to taste for seasoning)

• 1 ½ tablespoons pine nuts

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise then cut into bite-sized chunks

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon roughly chopped capers

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fill a medium pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the couscous, stir gently, and cook until tender and plump, about 14 minutes total. Once done, remove the pot from heat.

2. Scoop out and set aside ¼ cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the couscous thoroughly and return it to the warm pot to stay warm while you make the sauce.

3. While the couscous cooks, preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully hot. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they turn golden brown and release a rich, nutty aroma (this takes 1 to 3 minutes, depending on your stovetop heat). Transfer the toasted pine nuts to a small plate and set them aside.

4. Melt the butter in the same skillet (no need to wipe it out first). Add the chopped zucchini and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens slightly and develops light browning. Add the garlic and capers, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds to 1 minute just until the garlic becomes fragrant (be careful not to burn it, as it will turn bitter quickly). Stir in the diced tomatoes, season with extra salt and black pepper, then cook stirring occasionally until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens, 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Stir the cooked couscous and toasted pine nuts into the skillet with the sauce until everything is evenly combined. If the mixture feels too dry for your preference, gradually stir in the reserved cooking water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately while warm.