This elegant herbed couscous is a lemon-lover’s delight. We like it best made with all of the herbs. The flavor develops beautifully overnight in the refrigerator. This is excellent served with Citrus Marinated Feta.
Prep time: 20 mins
Total time: 20 mins
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
- 1½ cups couscous
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups boiling water
- 2 lemons
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 14-ounce can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped black olives
ONE OR MORE:
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup finely chopped scallions
- ½ cup minced fresh mint
- ½ cup chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
- Put the couscous and salt in a bowl and pour the boiling water over it.
- Cover and set aside for about 10 minutes, until the water is absorbed.
- Grate the lemon peels and juice the lemons.
- Stir together the lemon zest, ¼ cup of juice, and the olive oil.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork, separating any lumps.
- Add the chickpeas, olives, the lemon and oil mixture, and the herbs and toss well.
- Add more salt to taste.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Top with the toasted almonds just before serving.
Notes
Instead of fresh mint, add about a tablespoon of herbal spearmint or peppermint tea (1 teabag) when you add the water to the dry couscous.
Reprinted with permission of the authors, the Moosewood Collective, from Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers, Copyright 2005 by Moosewood, Inc., Clarkson Potter, publishers, NY.