Fennel And Orange Salad With Black Olives On A Bed Of Couscous Recipes

FENNEL AND ORANGE SALAD WITH BLACK OLIVES ON A BED OF COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Reconstitute the couscous. Place it in a bowl, add salt to taste and cover by 1/2 inch with hot water. Let sit until all of the water has been absorbed by the couscous, stirring every once in a while. Cover the bowl with a plate and place in the microwave. Microwave for 3 minutes. Carefully remove from the microwave (the bowl will be hot). Uncover and fluff with forks. Set aside.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing.
• Remove tough outer layers of the fennel bulb and discard. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin, slice the fennel quarters as thin as you can. Place in a bowl and toss with half the dressing and the chopped olives.
• Spoon the couscous into a wide bowl or onto a platter and smooth to make an even layer. Arrange the fennel on top, making sure to tip out any dressing from the bottom of the bowl over the fennel and couscous.
• Cut away the peel and pith from the oranges and slice into thin rounds. Tip any juice that runs out of the oranges as you are working with them over the fennel. Arrange the orange slices over the fennel.
• Drizzle the remaining dressing over the oranges. Arrange the halved olives on top, sprinkle with chopped parsley or fennel fronds and serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

SPANISH CHARRED FENNEL, ORANGE AND OLIVE SALAD

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.
• Trim the feathery green fronds form the fennel and reserve for the garnish.
• Remove the stalks from the fennel and cut each fennel bulb into 4 or 6 wedges, depending on the size.
• Place into a well-oiled baking tin or tian - and drizzle over 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Roast them for about 40-45 minutes or until tender, caramelised and charred on the edges. (Turn them once or twice during cooking.).
• Allow them to cool.
• Peel and slice the oranges into segments, making sure there is no membrane or pith on them. Add the finely sliced red onion and olives to the orange segments.
• Whisk the remaining oil with the orange juice and season well.
• Add half of the chopped mint leaves to the vinaigrette, mix well.
• Pour half the dressing over the orange mixture and gently mix.
• When you wish to assemble the salad, build up the salad by layering the orange mixture and roast fennel bulbs in alternate layers.
• Drizzle with the remaining dressing and scatter the remaining chopped mint over the top.
• Finely chop the reserved fennel fronds and scatter them over the top, as the final flourish!
• Great served with barbequed poultry or meats, especially Duck or Lamb.