Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango

Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango Recipe - Moroccan Cuisine

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The combination of fluffy couscous, sweet mango, and tangy orange juice creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from tiny grains of steamed semolina. It has been a staple food in the region for centuries and is commonly served as a side dish or as a base for stews and salads. The addition of mango and other fresh ingredients to couscous salad is a modern twist on this classic dish, adding a tropical and fruity flavor to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup water
0.67 cup whole-wheat couscous, uncooked
1 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp orange juice
1 cup yogurt or 1 cup soft tofu
0.5 tsp ground cumin
pinch of ground ginger
0.5 cup cooked chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed if canned
1 large mango, peeled and diced
0.25 cup golden raisins
0.25 cup minced fresh cilantro
0.5 cup assorted dried fruits: pineapple, papaya, orange (optional)

How to prepare

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.
Stir in couscous, then return to a boil. Cover the saucepan and turn off the heat.
Allow the couscous to sit without lifting the lid until the water has been absorbed.
Meanwhile, combine tahini and orange juice to create a smooth paste.
Place yogurt or tofu in a large mixing bowl and whisk until it becomes light and smooth.
Whisk in the tahini mixture, along with cumin and ginger.
Stir in chickpeas, mango, and raisins.
Fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any lumps, then stir it into the mango mixture.
If desired, add cilantro and dried fruits, and stir until everything is thoroughly blended.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate it until it becomes chilled, which should take about 3 hours.

Variations

Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra freshness and crunch.
Substitute the mango with pineapple or papaya for a different tropical flavor.
Mix in some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fluff the couscous with a fork after cooking to prevent clumping.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite fruits, nuts, or herbs for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Whisking

- Stirring

- Fluffing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use quinoa or bulgur wheat instead of couscous for a different texture.

- Replace the tofu with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamier dressing.

- Swap the chickpeas for black beans or lentils for a different protein source.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a slice of orange for a pop of color. Serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of fresh greens or a light soup for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 3g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 7g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 36% DV

- Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains soy (from tofu) and wheat (from couscous)

Summary

This Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango is a nutritious and balanced dish that is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of fiber and protein, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option.

Summary

Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a combination of fluffy couscous, sweet mango, and tangy orange juice, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish for a summer barbecue or picnic.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a sunny day in the bustling markets of Marrakech, Morocco. The vibrant colors of the spices, the intoxicating scents of the herbs, and the melodic sounds of the vendors haggling filled the air. I was on a culinary adventure, exploring the rich and diverse flavors of this beautiful country.

As I wandered through the maze of stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, unassuming shop tucked away in a corner. The display of fresh fruits and vegetables caught my attention, and I decided to take a closer look. That's when I spotted the most beautiful mangoes I had ever seen. Their golden skins were tinged with a rosy blush, and they exuded a sweet, tropical aroma that made my mouth water.

I couldn't resist buying a few of the ripest mangoes, along with a bag of couscous and some fragrant spices. The shopkeeper, a friendly woman with a warm smile, noticed my interest and struck up a conversation with me. She told me that the mangoes were grown in a nearby orchard, and that they were prized for their exceptional flavor and juiciness.

Curious, I asked her if she had any recipes that featured mangoes. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she began to tell me about a traditional Moroccan dish called Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango. She described how the sweet, succulent mangoes were combined with fluffy couscous, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with lemon juice and olive oil. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting such a delicious and refreshing dish.

The shopkeeper offered to show me how to make the salad, and I eagerly accepted her invitation. We gathered the ingredients and headed to her home, where she taught me the secrets of preparing this exotic dish. I watched in awe as she deftly chopped the mangoes into perfect cubes, fluffed the couscous with a fork, and mixed everything together in a large bowl.

The aromas that wafted from the salad were intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of sweet, savory, and citrusy scents. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of exotic flavors and culinary delights. The mangoes were juicy and sweet, the couscous light and fluffy, and the dressing tangy and refreshing.

From that moment on, Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango became a beloved recipe in my repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and special occasions. Each time I prepared it, I thought back to that fateful day in Marrakech, when I discovered the magic of combining mangoes and couscous in a dish that was both simple and sophisticated.

Over the years, I have adapted the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added toasted nuts for crunch, fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and spicy chilies for a kick of heat. Each variation has been a delicious experiment, a symphony of textures and flavors that never fails to impress.

As I sit here in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile at the memory of that sunny day in Marrakech. It was the beginning of a culinary journey that has taken me to far-flung corners of the world, where I have learned new recipes and techniques from people of all walks of life.

And yet, no matter where my travels have taken me, Chilled Couscous Salad with Mango will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am forever grateful.