Veggie Herbed Couscous Pilaf

One of our goals this year was to try new kinds of foods, even if they seem a little different than what we are used to eating. While most of you have probably had couscous before, Bryan and I had not. This was our first recipe we made with it and we really liked it. Hopefully we find some more delicious and healthy couscous recipes to incorporate into our meals.

I used whole wheat couscous but you can use regular if you don't like or have the wheat kind. I always try to use whole grain or wheat versions of any grains because they are much healthier.

This side dish recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare and cook, which is great for a weeknight side dish recipe. :)

Veggie Herbed Couscous Pilaf
Serves: 4
Adapted by: http://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2012/03/herbed-couscous-pilaf.html

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 shallots, minced OR 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
1 whole carrot, peeled and chopped into bite-size chunks
1/2 cup whole wheat couscous
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon reduced sodium chicken broth
sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped OR 2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped OR 2 teaspoons dried chives

Directions:
-Heat the olive oil in a nonstick saute pan over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and diced carrots. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the couscous and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
-Add the chicken broth, salt, and pepper, to taste; bring entire mixture to a boil.
-Cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes.
-Add the parsley and chives and fluff the entire mixture with a fork.
-Taste and add any additional seasonings you prefer.
-Serve immediately

Enjoy! :)

*We added a small pat of butter to the couscous when it was done cooking.