Speedy Chickpea Couscous with Pesto

Name: Speedy Chickpea Couscous with Pesto
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 1 cup whole wheat couscous; 3/4 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained (about half of a 14-ounce can); 3 tablespoons pesto; 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

By Maria Speck

September 20, 2013

A double boost of basil, from the pesto and the fresh leaves, gives this whole wheat couscous a flavor lift. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you are starving for quick and easy carbs. Home-cooked chickpeas taste best, but canned chickpeas work fine when you're in a rush. And pesto from a jar is a perfectly good replacement for homemade. Serve next to sautéed fish or chicken.

Cooks' Note

To vary it: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios; or make it a light meal with crumbled ricotta salata, goat cheese, or feta cheese and a few olives.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.