Dees Middle Eastern Couscous Salad Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the couscous in 9 fluid ounces cold water.
• Pre-heat the oven to 200°C Cut the eggplant into 1/4" slices, cut these in 2 lengthways then cut all across in 1/4" slices (you should end up with short'chip'-shaped pieces).
• Toss in 3 tablespoons of the oil, 2 teaspoons of the cumin and a little seasoning then roast in the oven for 15- 20 mintes, until softened.
• Meanwhile, prepare the dressing: zest the lemon, adding the zest to the couscous then juice and add about 1 teaspoon of salt.
• Allow to dissolve, then add the garlic plus the remaining cumin and olive oil.
• Whisk thoroughly and add to the couscous- this will be partially absorbed.
• When the eggplant is cooked, allow to cool a little then stir into the couscous, along with the olives, coriander and pine nuts.
• Toss well and serve immediately.

FRESH COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• In a small sauce pan, blanch the green beans by boiling in liberally salted water for 3 minutes. Drain and cool. In a medium bowl, mix the couscous, beans, tomatoes, shallot, cheese and dressing until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the basil.

DEE'S MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• heat Port; add figs, simmer 10 minutes heat butter, add onion, and garlic and cook til browned. Add spices, cook 1 more minute. heat chicken stock; add couscous and boil until all stock has been absorbed. Add onion mixture, peppers, reserved figs and liquid to couscous and stir together. let couscous simmer until cooked through. Adjust seasonings with sea salt and pepper and fold in the three herbs. Garnish with toasted pistachios.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. (This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over very low heat or in a microwave oven.)

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add dry couscous and saute until slightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until couscous is tender and all liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 45 minutes.
• While the couscous is cooling, mix lemon zest, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, and Dijon mustard together for the dressing in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Transfer cooled couscous to a serving bowl. Add cucumbers, spinach, tomatoes, olives, scallions , parsley, mint, and basil. Pour dressing over top and mix to incorporate.