Pearl Couscous With Bacon & Peas

A cozy little 25 minute dinner with pearl couscous, bacon, peas, and shredded gouda for a creamy and luxurious meal.

By @britacooks

Original recipe source

Cook time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup pearl couscous
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup gouda
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 0 salt
• 0 black pepper
• 4 slices bacon
• 0 parmesan
• 0 lemon

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet with the bacon fat and melt it over medium heat.
3. Add the minced shallot to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the pearl couscous and toast it in the skillet for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the couscous is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Stir in the freshly grated gouda and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the cheese is melted.
8. Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the couscous mixture.
10. Serve the dish hot, garnished with optional parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.