Don't feel like peeling the spuds, or steaming rice on a warm day? The solution, try my cool couscous salad that is ready to serve in a matter of minutes. And, it's a great make-ahead cold side salad that travels well from your kitchen to tailgate.
A staple side of North Africa, Sicily, and the Middle East, couscous is made from semolina, or granules of durum wheat. A healthy side dish contains a 1 % low fat-to calorie ratio of 3.6 grams of protein for every 100 grams. My flavorful Couscous and Tomato Salad taste so good. Who will remember the dish is healthy?
Couscous makes for a quick, healthy dish that becomes fluffy when cooked, with a slight chewy—firm texture. Traditionally it was was hand-rolled, but today it's made by machine: The Coarsely-ground durum wheat (semolina)— is moistened and tossed with fine wheat flour until it forms tiny, round balls.
There are three main types, Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese. Most of the couscous available in North America is "instant" or quick-cooking.
In Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, it’s steamed over a simmered stew after being tossed with a little water or oil.
Serve warm or chilled with grilled, or go all veggies and top with Acorn Squash.
Couscous and Tomato Salad (see recipe below)
Makes four cups
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1 1/2 cups Couscous
2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 sweet onion, chopped
1/4 sweet red bell pepper, chopped
2 Tablespoons pine nuts and raisins
2 Tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
For Tomato Dressing: 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon honey; 1/2 cup vine ripened tomatoes, chopped; 1/4 cup chick peas; cooked or canned rinsed & drained; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 teaspoons curry powder; pinch of cinnamon
Pre heat a sauté pan; add one tablespoon olive oil, onions and peppers. Sauté three- five minutes until tender. Add pine nuts and raisins and cook one additional minute. Add couscous; mix with onion and pepper mixture. Add boiling hot chicken broth, 1 Tablespoon mint, cover and remove from stove. Allow to rest for five minutes.
Meanwhile make Tomato Dressing by mixing tomatoes, chick peas, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, curry, cinnamon and remaining mint.
After couscous has sat covered for five minutes remove lid and mix with a fork or spoon to loosen granules. Top and mix in the tomato dressing.