Couscous With Pine Nuts and Currants

This side dish is super easy to make yet seems sophisticated. I created this recipe in an attempt to duplicate a delicious couscous Whole Foods had in their prepared foods section. I used a Food Network recipe to adapt from and made it healthier and vegetarian (also vegan!) by using whole wheat couscous, vegetable broth, and Earth Balance vegan butter. Original Recipe from Ina Garten: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/moroccan-couscous-recipe/index.html

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons  earth balance vegan butter
• 1  small shallot, finely chopped (approx. 1/4 cup)
• 1  cup  low sodium vegetable broth
• 1⁄2 cup  whole wheat couscous
• 1⁄4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1⁄4 cup currants
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add chopped shallot and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times.
2. Add vegetable broth and bring to boil. Once boiling remove from heat and add couscous. Give it a quick stir and cover. Let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
3. While it's sitting toast pine nuts. Put the pine nuts in a small pan and cook over low-medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, until the nuts are fragrant. Shake the pan around a few times too.
4. Lastly, add the pine nuts and currants to the couscous and stir to combine everything.
5. * TIP - You can buy the pine nuts and currants in the bulk section of Whole Foods or some supermarkets so that way you don't have to get more than need.