my comfort recipes
♥ Log in Sign up
  • en
  • fr
  • es
  • pt
  • de
  • it
  • nl
    • 🌍 World Kitchen
    🌍 World Kitchen
    Log in Sign up
    Home / Israeli Kitchen / Ptitim

    Ptitim

    Toasted pearl-shaped pasta, nicknamed Ben-Gurion rice, sautéed with onion and garlic until nutty and tender.

    ⏱ 10 minPrep time
    🔥 20 minCook time
    🍽 4Servings
    🏷 Israeli KitchenCategory
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Ptitim

    Ptitim, or Israeli couscous, is a toasted pearl pasta invented in the 1950s as a rice substitute during a shortage, and it was nicknamed Ben-Gurion rice. The small, round pasta caught on and became a staple of Israeli home cooking, served as a side or tossed into salads. Kids grew up on it, and it is still a beloved pantry staple in nearly every Israeli home.

    Toasty little pearls with a springy bite

    Each pearl is tender but retains a satisfying chew, and the golden toasting gives it a warm, almost popcorn-like aroma. Sautéed with onion and garlic and simmered in stock, it soaks up flavor while staying separate and light. It is the friendliest side dish in the kitchen: it goes with roast chicken, stews, and grilled fish, and it takes well to leftovers. Toss any extra with lemon, herbs, and feta for a quick cold salad the next day.

    Craving more? Explore all Israeli Kitchen recipes.

    Israeli recipes →

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the ptitim and toast, stirring often, until golden and nutty-smelling, 4 to 5 minutes.
    2. Add the onion and cook until soft, 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds.
    3. Pour in the stock and add the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
    4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the ptitim is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
    5. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
    6. Fluff with a fork, stir in the butter and parsley, and serve.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Toasting the ptitim in oil first gives it that roasted, almost popcorn-like flavor. It doubles as a cold salad base — toss leftovers with lemon, herbs, and feta.

    Rate this recipe

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Sign in to rate this recipe.

    Recipe details

    Prep10 min
    Cook20 min
    Servings4
    CategoryIsraeli Kitchen
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

    Keep browsingYou might also like

    View all recipes →