Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with this delightful Couscous Salad with Chickpeas, Dates, and Cinnamon. This tantalizing dish, rooted in traditional Moroccan cuisine, offers a captivating fusion of sweet and savory notes, making it a perfect accompaniment to your next meal. Discover how to prepare this flavorful salad, along with three additional delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of couscous. From a refreshing Lemony Couscous Salad with Grilled Vegetables to a hearty Couscous and Chicken Casserole, these recipes promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Get ready to savor the delightful textures and vibrant flavors of this versatile North African grain.
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COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS, DATES & CINNAMON
The richness of Saigon Cinnamon flavors this salad, created by Chef Suzanne Goin of Lucques in Los Angeles. Dates, carrots and toasted pine nuts add color and complexity to the couscous.
Provided by Annacia
Categories Beans
Time 35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Finely chop white part of green onions.
- Slice green parts; reserve for salad.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in medium saucepan on medium heat.
- Add white onion pieces; cook and stir 5 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper and red pepper and bring to boil.
- Add couscous; cover. Remove pan from heat. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Whisk vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and remaining 6 tablespoons oil in small bowl.
- Fluff couscous with fork; spoon into large bowl.
- Add sliced green onions, chickpeas, carrots, dates, pine nuts, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; toss lightly.
- Add vinaigrette; toss again.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
COUSCOUS SALAD WITH TURMERIC, CHICKPEA AND TOMATO
Turmeric highlights the golden hue of couscous while adding a welcome bit of flavor. The grains are paired with tomatoes, which have been left to sit in red wine and vinegar, infusing them with flavor and making the dressing even more juicy for the couscous-chickpea mix. If you want the onion to be nice and crisp and to take its raw edge off, put the slices in a bowl of ice and water before you cook the couscous. Drain them right before tossing them in. You can add even more crunch by topping the salad with sliced celery or chiles, if you like your food spicy. Either thinly sliced fresh chiles, such as fresno or jalapeƱos, or preserved ones, like peppadews or hot cherry, work well.
Provided by Genevieve Ko
Categories dinner, lunch, grains and rice, main course
Time 15m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Combine the turmeric, 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt with 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from the heat. Let stand for at least 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, whisk the vinegar with the remaining 1/4 cup oil and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper in a very large bowl. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas and stir to coat.
- When the couscous is ready, scrape with a fork to fluff into bits. Pour into the tomato mixture, along with the onion, arugula and half the cheese. Fold gently until well mixed, then season to taste with salt and pepper, and dress with additional oil and vinegar, if desired.
- Divide among dishes and top with the remaining feta and the celery or chile, if using.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 341, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 346 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
PEARL COUSCOUS WITH CREAMY FETA AND CHICKPEAS
Baking pearl couscous with chickpeas, roasted tomatoes and garlic results in a one-pan vegetarian meal that's cozy and very savory, especially if you use a flavorful stock for cooking. Soft and almost porridgelike in texture, it satisfies the same urge as polenta or risotto. Lemon zest and fresh herbs make it bright, while feta, added at the end, gives the whole thing a creamy richness. Save leftovers to bring to work for lunch the next day; they pack up perfectly. If you feel like you need more vegetables here to round out the meal, serve this on a bed of baby spinach, some of which will wilt on contact with the hot couscous.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, lunch, weekday, grains and rice, main course
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a 9-inch baking dish, cake pan or gratin dish, toss together tomatoes, scallions, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon vinegar, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and oregano sprigs. Roast until tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- While tomatoes roast, heat the stock until it boils, then stir in remaining 1 teaspoon salt, adding more to taste. (You want a well-seasoned broth here to flavor the couscous.) Stir in cilantro, lemon zest and cumin.
- Remove tomatoes from oven and fold in couscous, chickpeas and hot stock mixture. Cover pan tightly with foil, and return to oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and fold in about 3/4ths of the feta (save the rest for garnish) and Parmesan. Bake uncovered until feta starts to melt, another 5 minutes.
- To serve, pull out and discard herb sprigs if you like, and spoon couscous into bowls. Top with remaining feta, lots more herbs, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 614, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 14 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 1019 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams
COUSCOUS AND CHICKPEA SALAD
Provided by Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Categories easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish
Time 15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place the couscous with thevegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat thoroughly, until the couscous grains are coated with warm oil.
- Add hot water, cover immediately, turn off heat and allow grains to swell for 5 minutes. Drain off excess water and mix the couscous with chickpeas.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Add to couscous and stir.
- Add pepper strips and chopped scallions. Mix well and set aside until ready to serve. Just before serving mix in the tomato. Garnish with cucumber slices and olives.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 695, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 88 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 174 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your salad.
- Don't overcook the couscous: Couscous should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving: This will help to separate the grains and make the salad light and fluffy.
- Use a variety of vegetables: The more vegetables you use, the more colorful and flavorful your salad will be.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors: This salad is a great opportunity to try new flavor combinations. For example, you could add a pinch of cumin or coriander to the dressing.
- Make sure to taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed: You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
Conclusion:
This couscous salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is easy to make. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this couscous salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
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