Summer Vegetable Couscous

Amarante

Mon, Jul 11 2022, 8:35 pm

This was a perfect side for summer and since it has chickpeas it could be a lovely light lunch as well.

Since it is served at room temperature and can be made two days ahead it is easy to fix it when one has time. It is after all from a cookbook by Ina which is all "make it ahead"recipes. Smile

Summer Vegetable Couscous

Excerpt From: Ina Garten - Make It Ahead
SERVES 6 TO 8

This is another recipe inspired by Sarah Leah Chase, who writes wonderful cookbooks. It has many Middle Eastern flavors and textures that all complement each other: couscous with cinnamon and ginger plus raisins, dates, chickpeas, and toasted almonds. In summer, it’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish.

3 cups good chicken stock, preferably homemade
Good olive oil
1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups couscous
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup diced dried pitted dates
1 medium zucchini, ¼-inch-diced
2 carrots, ¼-inch-diced
½ red onion, ¼-inch-diced
½ cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
½ cup blanched sliced almonds, toasted (see note)

Place the chicken stock, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Off the heat, stir in the couscous, raisins, and dates; cover, and set aside for 15 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, carrots, red onion, and chickpeas. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the vegetables.

Whisk together the lemon juice and ¼ cup of olive oil and pour it over the couscous. Carefully fold in the toasted almonds, taste for seasonings, and serve at room temperature. The flavors will meld the longer it sits.

MAKE IT AHEAD: Prepare the couscous completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Serve at room temperature.

To toast almonds, place them in a small sauté pan over low heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing frequently, until lightly browned.