Pearl Couscous with Chicken

Pearl Couscous/Israeli Couscous is a Toasted Wheat Pasta in the form of granules. It is bigger than the Couscous Grains which were used in this recipe. Pearl Couscous has a longer cooking time compared to Couscous Grains. Since it is bigger in size and retains its firmness after cooking, it can be substituted for Rice in recipes. I prepared Pearl Couscous similar to a Pulav using home-grown Tomatoes & Bell Peppers and threw in pieces of Cooked Chicken Breasts.

Pearl Couscous with Chicken

Pearl Couscous with Vegetables & Chicken make a healthy & filling meal. Go ahead and try this simple & easy recipe.

Ingredients

1. Pearl Couscous – 1 cup
2. Diced Onions – 1 small
3. Diced Tomatoes – 2 small
4. Diced Red Bell Peppers – 1 medium
5. Cooked Chicken Breasts (diced) – 1 cup
6. Curry Leaves – A small sprig
7. Chopped Cilantro (Malliyella) – A few
8. Ginger Garlic paste – 2 tsp
9. Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
10. Red Chilly Powder – 1/2 tsp (Alter according to your spice tolerance)
11. Oil – 2 tbsp
12. Salt – to taste
13. Water – as needed

Preparation Method

1. Cook couscous according to the instructions on the packet. For 1 cup of Couscous, I used 1 and 1/4 cups of water. Bring lightly salted water to a boil in a saucepan. Add couscous, cover the saucepan and simmer for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and then fluff the couscous with a fork.
2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan and saute onions until translucent.
3. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, cilantro and curry leaves and continue sauteing until the tomatoes are mashed and the bell peppers have been cooked.
4. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan. Add salt to taste.
5. Reduce heat and add ginger-garlic paste. Saute for 2 minutes.
6. Reduce heat and add turmeric powder and chilly powder. Stir fry for a minute.
7. Add the cooked couscous and toss everything together and remove from stove top.

Note

1. Feel fry to add any vegetables of your choice.
2. You can use Boiled, Grilled, Roasted or Sauteed Chicken Breasts. I used Grilled Chicken Breasts.