Name: Couscous Pilaf with Sauteed Mushrooms
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoon olive oil (divided); 14 ounce sliced mushrooms (I used cremini); 1 small onion (chopped); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 1 medium carrot (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 cup white wine (I used Pinot Grigio); 1 cup dry couscous (I used Israeli couscous); 2 cups vegetable stock; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Sriracha (optional)); 3/4 cup frozen peas; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

A delicious and simple to make Couscous Pilaf with Sautéed Mushrooms that features white wine, peas, and a delicious blend of spices. This is perfect as a side dish or a meal on its own and ready in only 30 minutes.

Couscous Pilaf With Sautéed Mushrooms

This recipe is delectable, full of complex savory flavors and oh so satisfying. I don’t usually put vegetarian/vegan recipes on the blog since, well, we’re meat lovers in my house. A dish with this much deep umami flavor will surprise any carnivores out there with its lack of animal product. Not only that but it’s just oh so comforting to curl up with after a long day. Let’s get these mushrooms a cookin’!

Couscous Pilaf?

Pilaf is a one pot dish traditionally prepared with rice and some broth. I decided to spice things up today by substituting in couscous, which is essentially very small round pasta. It’s full of protein and complex carbs so you’ll feel full long after this dish has been devoured.

Ingredients In Couscous Pilaf With Sautéed Mushrooms

Olive oil – We want something with a nice neutral flavor to brown our mushrooms.
Mushrooms – I used cremini today, sliced up nicely.
Veggies – Carrot, onion, and celery all chopped up fine. We’re also going to include frozen peas in the final stages of this dish.
Spices – Cumin, coriander, and onion powder are all we’re using today.
Wine – A white wine that’s nice and dry. Something like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc.
Couscous – Dried couscous, I used Israeli couscous, also known as Pearl. This kind is nice and chewy but feel free to use any kind you can find.
Stock – Veggie stock if you please as we want this dish to be completely vegetarian.
Hot sauce – Whichever kind is your favorite. Don’t worry about including it if you’re heat sensitive.
Salt and pepper – To taste.
Parsley – Chopped up fine and sprinkled on top as garnish.

How To Make Couscous Pilaf With Sautéed Mushrooms

Brown the mushrooms: In a large skillet heat the 1 tbsp of the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and saute until they start to brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare your base: In the same skillet add the remaining olive oil, add chopped onion, celery, carrot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and celery is tender. Add the coriander, cumin, onion powder and stir in the white wine.
Cook the couscous: Add the couscous and chicken broth, season with salt and pepper and stir well. Turn the heat down and cook for about 7 minutes. At this point most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Finish the pilaf: Add the hot sauce and frozen peas and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the remainder of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the mushrooms. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips For Making The Best Couscous Pilaf

If you want to add a nice toasty crunch, toasted pine nuts or almonds sprinkled on top are an unexpected but delicious addition.
If you can’t find Israeli (pearl) couscous any other kind is fine! Although this variety gives the dish a great chew.
Any and all mushrooms will do today, from cremini to button, portobello to shiitake. All are delicious and savory so feel free to mix and match.

Storing Leftover Couscous Pilaf With Sautéed Mushrooms

This recipe will last for 3 – 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish also freezes well for those of us who like to make our dishes ahead of time, just place in a sturdy freezer bag and it’ll keep for 3 – 4 months.

More Must Try Vegetarian Recipes:

Minnie says

June 29, 2021 at 7:08 pm

I made this today and it came out yummy! I did use a bit less liquid than suggested by the recipe, adding more as I saw fit and tasting along the way to make sure the texture of the couscous was right. I used shiitake mushrooms for this and substituted the onion powder with minced garlic; Cholula was my choice for the hot sauce. Very tasty! Oh, and I added some pan-fried halloumi cheese since I had it in my fridge, and it actually tasted great with this dish (in my opinion). I’ll definitely be making this again!