Mediterranean Bowl of Giant Couscous

quick-cook-low-fat-recipe-mediterranean-bowl-giant-couscous-diet-health-spry
https://i0.wp.com/spryliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/quick-cook-low-fat-recipe-mediterranean-bowl-giant-couscous-diet-health-spry.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Couscous:
1 vegetable stock cube
5ounces giant couscous
1 3/4cups mixed cherry tomatoes
6ounces drained roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 smallbunches of basil leaves
13ounces can chickpeas, drained
1small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
3 1/2ounces low-fat feta
salt and pepper
Dressing:
2ounces roasted red peppers
2tablespoons lime juice
2tablespoons aged balsamic syrup
1teaspoon chipotle or chile paste
1teaspoon garlic puree

Instructions

  1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, then stir in the vegetable stock cube. Add the couscous to the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes until “al dente,” or according to the package instructions. Drain into a large, fine sieve and cool under cold running water
  2. Meanwhile, quarter the tomatoes and mix with the peppers, cucumber, basil, and chickpeas in a large bowl. Make the dressing by putting all the ingredients in a mini chopper or a small food processor bowl and blending until smooth.
  3. Mix the cooled couscous with the vegetables and chickpeas, then stir in half of the dressing and toss until all the ingredients are well coated. Season with salt and pepper, then divide into serving bowls.
  4. Mix together the parsley and scallions, scatter over each bowl of couscous, and then crumble over the feta. Serve with Mediterranean-style flatbread and the remaining dressing, if liked.

Reprinted with permission from Quick Cook Low Fat by Jo McAuley (Hamlyn)