Ptitim (Israeli Couscous)
A simple and versatile toasted pasta dish, often called Israeli couscous. The pasta is first toasted to develop a nutty flavor, then simmered in vegetable broth until tender and fluffy, making it a perfect side dish.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 28 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1 pcsyellow onion, small, finely chopped
- 2 clovegarlic, minced
- 200 gptitim
- 400 mlvegetable broth
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)
- 1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · fork · knife · cutting_board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan with a lid over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Cooking the onion slowly prevents it from browning and develops a sweeter flavor.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- 4
Add the dry ptitim to the saucepan.
- 5
Toast the ptitim, stirring frequently, for about 2-3 minutes until it turns a light golden brown and smells nutty.
About 3 min
Cook’s note: Toasting is the key step for developing the characteristic nutty flavor of this dish.
- 6
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, then add the salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The pot will be hot, so expect some steam when adding the liquid.
- 7
Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
About 2 min
- 8
Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid while it simmers to keep the steam trapped inside.
- 9
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: This resting period allows the ptitim to steam and become perfectly tender.
- 10
Uncover the saucepan and fluff the ptitim gently with a fork.
About 1 min
- 11
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon juice just before serving.
Cook’s note: Adding fresh herbs and acid at the end brightens up the flavors.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
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