Serves 4
Level: Easy; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 1 hour, 10 minutes; Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes, plus 15 minutes resting time
Pink couscous makes a vibrant centerpiece for a Buddha bowl and can steal the show as a side dish. Any grain can be a blank canvas for this recipe, but pearl couscous really showcases the pink color imparted by the beets. Toss with a grapefruit dressing, add feta or crème fraîche, and top with fried rosemary for an herbaceous crunch. The peak season for beets is generally midsummer through late fall, but they can be cold-stored and enjoyed in winter.
Beets, Pearl Couscous, and Fried Rosemary
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh red beets, stems and leaves removed
- 1/4 cup rosemary leaves
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Juice of 1/2 large grapefruit
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Wrap individual beets in foil and seal tightly. Place on a baking sheet and bake until tender, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, prepare fried rosemary by heating 2 tablespoons of oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add rosemary and cook, stirring often, until sizzling subsides, about 15 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels and let drain; season with salt.
- About 20 minutes before beets finish roasting, prepare the couscous by bringing broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Add couscous and stir. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes, until couscous is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Place lid on and set aside.
- Remove beets from oven and let cool slightly before peeling skin off. Chop into 1-inch cubed pieces.
- Add beets and couscous (which should still be warm) to a large serving bowl and toss well. The color of the couscous will change to a vibrant pink as you continue mixing.
- Add grapefruit juice, shallots, and vinegar; toss to coat. Season with salt, to taste. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow shallots to soften slightly. To serve, drizzle with more oil, toss, and top with fried rosemary.
Stephanie Cameron was raised in Albuquerque and earned a degree in fine arts at the University of New Mexico. She is the art director, head photographer, recipe tester, marketing guru, publisher, and owner of edible New Mexico and The Bite.
