Because brown butter isn’t just for desserts ok?
It’s also for salads, for pasta, for rice bowls, for popcorn, for sauces… I just really like it ok? Especially in this Sumac dressing… Pearl couscous is the best couscous as far as I’m concerned, and when you mix it with almonds, apricots, onion & spinach and then douse the whole lot with Brown Butter and Sumac Dressing? It’s good. Insanely good.
I inhaled this dish. I suggest you make it and do the same. So very yummy.
What can you substitute for Sumac in the dressing?
First I’m going to tell you that the next time you see Sumac you should buy it. You won’t regret it. I love it so much. I even got a little lost in this exhaustive article all about Sumac that I suggest you read if you need extra convincing.
But, if you don’t have any lying around you could sub in some lemon zest and it will still be pretty darn delicious.
Anything Special You Need to Know?
*Feel free to use other greens like arugula or massaged kale in this, or other nuts or dried fruits. Just about anything would work.
*If you don’t have Aleppo pepper you can just sub in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
*This is a vegetarian couscous dish that stands well on its own, but if you wanted to add some extra protein chickpeas work beautifully here as would grilled chicken or steak.
Recipe-ish…
Warm Pearl Couscous Salad with Brown Butter and Sumac Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 3 cups baby spinach chopped
- 2 cups cooked pearl couscous
- 1/4 cup dried apricots chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup browned butter
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 tsp Aleppo pepper
- 1 Tbsp honey
To finish:
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
Instructions
- Add the spinach to a large bowl and toss with the couscous, apricots, almonds, onion and a good pinch of salt.
- Mix the dressing together, pour over the salad and mix well.
- Top with the parsley and feta.
Let me know what you think!
If you like this Italian Ricotta Almond Cake with Blueberries Recipe then go check out my Matcha Crepe Cake Recipe. It’s another one that you can make for dessert or for breakfast. It’s a stretch, but I’d do it.
