Pearl Couscous with White Beans
Prep. Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20-30 minutes
Servings
4-6 plates
Difficulty
Easy
Soy-Free, dairy-free, egg-free
Air Fryer
Cooking required:
Share:
Allergens:
This pearl couscous has quickly become one of my favorite meals to make in our air fryer, especially in the RV where fewer dishes always win. Everything cooks together in one container: pearl couscous, white beans, tomatoes, seasonings, and a simple cashew cream that makes the whole thing rich and filling. The beans and cashews add plenty of substance, the tomatoes cook down into the sauce, and the silan adds just a little sweetness to balance the tomatoes, lemon pepper and paprika. Beyond richness in flavor and texture, this meal is really nourishing! Between the white beans and cashews, this also has a good amount of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while the tomatoes add vitamin C and antioxidants and the couscous provides the carbs that make it more filling. Altogether, it’s a pretty well-rounded meal in one dish.
Ingredients
1 bag pearl couscous
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups soaked cashews blended with water until smooth
1/2 cup water, optional
Spices:
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp silan (date syrup)
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions
Add the pearl couscous, cherry tomatoes, white beans, olive oil, and spices to an air-fryer-safe baking dish.
Pour in the blended cashew mixture and stir everything thoroughly so the couscous is evenly distributed.
Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Stir well and check the couscous for doneness and moisture.
For a softer couscous with a more roasted top, stir in about 1/2 cup water and return the dish to the air fryer for another 10 minutes at 400°F.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Notes
For a nut-free version, replace the cashew mixture with vegetable broth; the finished dish will be less creamy.
Different pearl couscous brands can absorb liquid differently, so add a little extra water if the couscous still feels firm after 20 minutes.
Silan is date syrup; maple syrup can work if you don't keep silan on hand.
The final 10 minutes are useful if you like slightly browned tomatoes and couscous around the edges.
This works especially well for tiny kitchens, including RV cooking because the entire meal cooks in a single air-fryer-safe dish (very little clean up required!).
This meal reheats very well - keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
