Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts and Asparagus

I found the basics of this recipe on the back of the Trader Joe's Israeli Couscous box but didn't have a few of the ingredients they called for so I modified it to suit what I had on hand.  It was a winner!

Pearl Couscous with Pine Nuts and Asparagus

3 T. butter, divided
1/2 c. pine nuts
1 T. minced garlic
1 1/2 c. Israeli Couscous (also called pearl couscous) or the whole 8 oz box of the Trader Joe brand Israeli Couscous
1 3/4 c. chicken broth
1/2 t. salt
zest of one small lemon
4-6 stalks of grilled asparagus, chopped  (I had some leftover from grilling the night before so threw that in)
2 chopped green onions
thinly sliced basil

Melt 1 T. of butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.  Add pine nuts and stir until golden. Transfer to a small bowl.

Melt remaining 2 T. of butter over medium heat. Add couscous and stir until it browns slightly.  Add broth, salt, and garlic and bring it to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.  

Add the asparagus to heat through.  Add the pine nuts, lemon zest and basil.