I found this fantastic recipe on the back of Trader Joe's Israeli couscous box. We eat ALOT of couscous and this is a great way to transform it into a wonderful side dish.
Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts and Parsley
Adapted from Trader Joes
3 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup pine nuts
1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous
1 pinch cinnamon
1 bay leaf
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup parsley
zest of 1/2 lemon
salt and freshly ground pepper
1.Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add pine nuts and stir until golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl.
2.Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add couscous, cinnamon and bay leaf, and stir often until couscous browns slightly. Add broth and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, pine nuts and lemon zest. Season with black pepper to taste.
HERB & PEA ADAPTATION
Omit cinnamon. Before liquid has fully absorbed, add 1 cup frozen peas and continue cooking. Add 1/2 cup fresh herbs (sage & basil are a fav!) with the parsley and pine nuts.