Spicy Couscous with Dates Recipe

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Most Helpful Positive Review

Aug 05, 2008

This was fantastic! However, I made a couple of substitutions for personal taste and convenience. I used 2 whole fresh chilies (about 3 inches long) in place of the dried ones and substituted zucchini for the mushrooms for some additional nutrition (and also because zucchini is what I had on hand). In the final step, I added the vegetable stock directly to the veggie mixture, brought to a slow boil, added the couscous, covered the pan, removed it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. It looked beautiful and tasted magnificent!

—obituary mambo

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jan 19, 2011

For the most part, this is a great site and I have gotten many great recipes from it. That being said, there are a small number of recipes, this one included, where not only do I not understand how it achieved 5 stars, but I literally cannot fathom how ANYONE would give this 5 stars. My father and I made it EXACTLY as written (we even went to a Chinese market to buy star anise). What does it taste like? It tastes like couscous with onions and mushrooms and a little sweetness. Nothing interesting about it and you couldn't taste the dates, the star anise or the vegetable stock. It was alot of trouble for a bland dinner. One more thing, star anise pods become like little pieces of plastic floating around in the dish and they are almost impossible to pick out until you have the unfortunate occasion to bite into one. The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars instead of 1 is because I do like couscous with onions and mushrooms :)

—JONWEEKLY

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33 Ratings

Feb 02, 2007

This has fast become one of my favorite dishes...so delicious. I serve it with a roasted sweet potatoe. If you cannot tolerate very spicy foods, then lessen the dried pepper to what you feel you can handle. It comes out very spicy. I used crimini mushrooms, they are meatier then the white button. I'd give this 6 stars if I could.

—cookiemonster

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Apr 18, 2007

amazing dish! I would also say, in regards to the previous rating, that I would give this a 6 star rating if I could. I did change something important though. I didn't have any anise on hand so I used a small amount of coursely chopped fennel seeds instead. I haven't had it with the anise, but with the fennel it was grand. This is also a recipe that can be made ahead of time and quickly reheated in the oven. Watch the time on the covered simmering couscous, it barely takes the 3 min.

—kristi

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Dec 15, 2010

Substituted some red curry paste for chilies and added a zucchini and a can of kidney beans. Left out the lemon juice and pepper (personal preferences.) It was wonderful! Tip: Cut the dates lengthwise to remove pits easily before chopping. Don't forget to remove the star anise pods before eating. More vegetable broth may be needed to get the couscous consistency you desire.

—lilyorchid

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Nov 09, 2010

"A food so nice they named it twice!" :) The rave reviews for this dish initially sold me. I gave the couscous a whirl, and was in awe of the superb mix of flavors. It reminds me of a Southern Mexico stew that combines many of the same flavors- cinnamon, anise, hot peppers, dates (they also add boiled eggs and potatoes!). The sugar from the dates nicely caramelized the rest of the veggies near the end of the cooking process. The warming spices are perfect for the coming cold months!

—Lorissa

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Sep 20, 2010

Fantastic recipe. I just use Clic brand couscous spices and a little bit of chili paste instead of assembling the spices on this list. Very versatile; you can use any vegetables you might have in the fridge.

—Ashlou

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Sep 10, 2010

Really liked this - it was a good blend of spicy and sweet. Like others have done, I added 1 zucchini. I would also increase the amount of dates the next time I make it.

—MissSixx

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Nutrition

Calories
594 kcal
30%

Carbohydrates
111.9 g
36%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
10.6 g
16%

Fiber
9.2 g
37%

Protein
18 g
36%

Sodium
315 mg
13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Spicy Couscous with Dates

Serving Size: 1/2 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 594
Calories from Fat: 96

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.6g 16 %
Saturated Fat 1.2g 6 %
Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 315mg 13 %
Potassium 956mg 27 %
Total Carbohydrates 111.9g 36 %
** Dietary Fiber 9.2g 37 %
Protein 18g 36 %
** Sugars 18.7g
** Vitamin A 24 %
Vitamin C 86 %
Calcium 14 %
Iron 44 %
** Thiamin 26 %
** Niacin 64 %
** Vitamin B6 25 %
** Magnesium 24 %
** Folate 30 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.