Mediterranean Pearl Couscous Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Bring the water, olive oil, and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Pour in the couscous, cover, and immediately remove from heat. Let sit covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the, artichoke hearts, tomato, parsley, feta cheese, and lemon juice. Season with black pepper.

MEDITERRANEAN PEARL COUSCOUS

Steps:

• 1. 1. Bring water to a rapid boil then add couscous, turn down heat, and let simmer approximately 8-10 minutes. (Keep an eye on it and constantly test it; this is the most important part, you don't want to over cook it and have it be mushy*.)
• 2. 2. While water is boiling and couscous is cooking chop up your cucumbers and onion and half your cherry tomatoes. Throw into a large bowl and add ¼ cup of garlic olive oil; let sit.
• 3. 3. Once couscous is finished drain but DO NOT RINSE. Let cool.
• 4. 4. After couscous is cooled add to your bowl of chopped cukes, toms, & onions and stir.
• 5. 5. Add your desired amount of pesto (typically about 7 oz, maybe the whole 10! Use to your taste)
• 6. 6. Add more olive oil if you see it is sticking together and needs to "lubrication".
• 7. 7. Add feta and stir (I use ALL of it, but it's up to you.)
• 8. 8. Cool in the fridge for a good hour to really let the flavors meld, but feel free to dig in if you want to! ☺ I prefer eating it chilled.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium (2-quart) saucepan. Add the couscous, return to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
• In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired. While the couscous is still warm, add it to the bowl and toss to coat. Place in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to allow the couscous to cool.
• When ready to serve, add the remaining ingredients: arugula, cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and mint. Toss to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.

MOROCCAN-INSPIRED CHICKEN COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Make the seasoning rub. In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, and spices. Whisk to combine.
• Pat the chicken dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper on both side. Pour about 3/4 of the rub you just made all over the chicken (reserve the rest for later) and toss to make sure all the pieces are well coated. Set aside for now.
• Put the vegetables and onions in a mixing bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper and pour the remaining seasoning rub. Toss to combine.
• Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large baking pan or rimmed sheet pan.
• Bake in the center of the heated-oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. The vegetables should also soften and gain some char.
• While the chicken and veggies are baking, prepare the couscous. Boil the water or both until bubbling. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan. Add the couscous and cook, tossing regularly, until the couscous is toasted to golden brown. Season with kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the boiled water. Immediately turn the heat off and cover the saucepan. Leave the couscous undisturbed for 10 minutes, the couscous should absorb all the liquid. When ready, add the fresh parsley and fluff the couscous with a fork.
• When the chicken is fully cooked through, remove it from the oven. Spoon the couscous between the chicken pieces and allow it about 5 minutes to sop up some of the pan juices. Finish with the raisins, if you like.