PEA & COUSCOUS WITH CRISPY BACON AND HARD CHEESE

Peas have been my obsession this week! This simple and flavorful dish combines fresh peas, toasted couscous, crispy bacon, and a touch of lemon, finished with fragrant parsley and a sprinkle of hard cheese for a perfect balance.

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🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 20 min
🍽️ Servings: 3-4

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Ingredients

• 350 g fresh peas
• 150 g couscous
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 100 g thin bacon slices
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 450 ml water or chicken broth
• Hard cheese, grated (I used fermented Horezu cheese)
• 5 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. In a large, deep skillet, cook bacon slices over medium-low heat until crisp. Do this in batches if needed. Remove bacon to a plate.
2. If there isn’t enough bacon fat left, add a little oil. Sauté finely chopped onion in the skillet until very soft.
3. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice to the onions and cook until the juice evaporates.
4. Stir in couscous and toast for about 3 minutes, stirring often. It’s okay if it browns unevenly.
5. Add water (or broth), salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
6. When boiling, add peas, stir, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. The couscous should be cooked, and the peas tender but still crisp.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and the remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir in chopped parsley.
8. Serve couscous and peas topped with crumbled crispy bacon and a sprinkle of grated hard cheese.

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💡 Tips

• Toast couscous gently to add a nutty flavor and texture.
• Stir regularly to avoid couscous sticking or burning.
• Use high-quality bacon for the best crispy texture.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish beautifully.

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🍽️ Perfect For

• Light, fresh lunches or dinners
• Quick vegetarian-friendly meals (omit bacon if desired)
• Seasonal spring dishes

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📝 Final Thoughts

This pea and couscous dish is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining crispy bacon, fresh peas, and nutty couscous with a tangy lemon finish. It’s easy to prepare and satisfying for any occasion.