Couscous with Nuts and Cranberries
Couscous with nuts and cranberries. Bright spices for summer backpacking.
- calories
- 750
- weight
- 6 oz
- cal / oz
- 125
- protein
- 16 g
- serves
- 2, scales
- prep
- 2 min
- cook
- 12 min
- total time
- 14 min
- water
- 500 ml boiled
- cost
- $$
Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Canister stove
- Alcohol / Esbit
- Backpacking
- Basecamp
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Dairy free
- One pot
- Pre-mix at home
- Shelf stable
- Basic
Ingredients
| Couscous | 1 cup | |
|---|---|---|
| Pine nuts or walnuts | 1/2 cup | |
| Dried cranberries | 1/2 cup | |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | carried in a small dropper bottle or sealed packet |
| Dried mint | 1 tbsp | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Lemon pepper | 2 tsp |
Method
- Bring 500 ml of water to a boil in a single pot.
- Add the olive oil and stir.
- Dump in the couscous, nuts, cranberries, mint, salt, and lemon pepper.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes until the cranberries are plump and the couscous has absorbed most of the water.
- If using a protein option, add it now: a pouch of chicken, drained chickpeas, or hummus mix stirred in with a splash of water.
- Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Eat from the pot.
Couscous is fast and light but needs fat and protein to be dinner. Oil and nuts carry the calories; cranberries add tartness and balance. Dried mint and lemon pepper give brightness—the flavor profile that works in summer when cream feels too heavy.
Vegetarian as written, it feeds two hikers. Add a chicken pouch or instant hummus in the last minute for more protein.
Packing
Couscous, nuts, cranberries, mint, salt, and lemon pepper go in one quart-size bag. Pack olive oil in a small dropper bottle or sealed packet to prevent leaking. Chicken, beans, or hummus mix ride separately until camp.
Variations
- Substitute walnuts or cashews for pine nuts.
- Use fresh mint if you have it, at the same quantity as dried.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat.
- Add a 7 oz chicken pouch or 1/3 cup drained chickpeas for 15 g more protein.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons instant hummus mix with extra water for a creamy finish without the weight.
https://www.trailgroove.com/blogs/entry/511-savory-cranberry-nut-couscous-backpacking-recipe