Skip to main content

Couscous Risotto with Shrimp, Asparagus and Peas

3.8

(16)

Israeli couscous, sometimes known as pearl pasta, is available at Middle Eastern markets. You could also order it from Joan's on Third in Los Angeles; 323-655-2285.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 8

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
24 asparagus spears (about 12 ounces), trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled, cut into matchstick-size strips
3 ounces snow peas, trimmed, cut diagonally in half
6 tablespoons olive oil
32 uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped shallots
4 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
1 pound plum tomatoes (about 8), seeded, chopped
2 cups dry white wine
2 cups vegetable stock or canned vegetable broth
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook frozen peas, asparagus, carrots and snow peas in large pot of boiling salted water until vegetables are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain. Transfer vegetables to bowl filled with ice water. Drain vegetables and set aside.

    Step 2

    Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer shrimp to medium bowl. (Vegetables and shrimp can be prepared up to 1 day ahead. Cover each separately with plastic wrap and then refrigerate.)

    Step 3

    Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and shallots and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in couscous and tomatoes. Add wine and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add vegetable stock and simmer until liquid is reduced by half and couscous is just tender, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Mix in reserved vegetables and whipping cream. Cook couscous over medium heat until mixture thickens and is creamy, about 3 minutes.

    Step 4

    Stir Parmesan, butter and parsley into risotto. Add shrimp and mix until heated through and butter and cheese are melted and well blended, about 2 minutes. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Divide risotto among 8 bowls and serve.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.