Couscous Salad

Couscous Salad Recipe from Morocco - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Couscous salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich chickpeas, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

History

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from tiny steamed balls of semolina. It has been a staple food in the region for centuries and is commonly served with vegetables, meats, and sauces. The addition of fresh vegetables and fruits to couscous salad is a modern twist on this classic dish, adding a burst of flavor and color.

Ingredients

olive oil, for sautéing
0.5 red onion, chopped
1 tsp chopped garlic
0.5 red sweet bell pepper, chopped
0.5 green bell pepper, chopped
0.5 chopped zucchini
salt and freshly ground black pepper
nutmeg
cinnamon
0.5 cup olive oil
0.25 cup raisins
0.25 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 cup orange juice
12 oz (340 g) cooked couscous
2 tbsp minced parsley
2 cup tangerines or mandarin orange segments
mint sprigs (to garnish)

How to prepare

In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, sweet bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil.
Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Add 0.5 cup of olive oil to the vegetables along with raisins, chickpeas, and orange juice.
Toss the vegetable mixture with couscous and pan juices.
Add parsley and gently fold in citrus segments.
Mound the mixture onto a serving platter and garnish with mint.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.
Use quinoa instead of couscous for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the couscous according to package instructions to ensure it is light and fluffy.

- Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil adds a rich flavor to the salad.

- Season the salad with a combination of spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a unique taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this couscous salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing lunch option.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables in olive oil adds a rich flavor to the salad, while cooking the couscous according to package instructions ensures it is light and fluffy. Be sure to gently fold in the citrus segments to avoid crushing them.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and fruits. You can also swap out the chickpeas for another type of bean or protein.

Make Ahead Tips

This couscous salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply toss the salad with fresh herbs and citrus segments before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Mound the couscous salad onto a serving platter and garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve the salad in individual bowls for a more elegant look.

Pairing Recommendations

This couscous salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also goes well with grilled meats or seafood.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this couscous salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this couscous salad contains approximately 300 calories, making it a light and healthy meal option.

Carbohydrates

Couscous salad is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. The couscous, vegetables, and fruits in this salad all contribute to its carbohydrate content.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the salad, which are essential for brain function and overall health. The chickpeas also contain some fats, adding to the nutritional profile of the dish.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, making this salad a satisfying and filling meal. The protein in this dish helps to build and repair tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This couscous salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables and fruits used in the recipe. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, while zucchini provides vitamin A and potassium. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the couscous and may contain allergens such as nuts from the use of olive oil and raisins. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this couscous salad is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for a light lunch or side dish.

Summary

Couscous salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or side dish. Packed with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and protein-rich chickpeas, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal option. Enjoy this salad on its own or paired with your favorite grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend, Maria, in her quaint little village in the countryside. As we sat in her kitchen, sipping on homemade lemonade, she started rummaging through her old recipe book.

"Ah ha! Here it is!" Maria exclaimed, pulling out a yellowed piece of paper. "This is my grandmother's famous Couscous Salad recipe. I remember her making it for us on hot days like this."

I leaned in closer, eager to learn the secrets behind this exotic dish. Maria's grandmother had traveled far and wide in her youth, collecting recipes from all corners of the globe. Her Couscous Salad was a fusion of flavors and textures, a true culinary masterpiece.

As Maria started listing off the ingredients and steps, I couldn't help but feel a surge of inspiration. I had always loved cooking, but this recipe opened up a whole new world of possibilities. The thought of creating something so unique and delicious filled me with a sense of purpose.

After jotting down the recipe in my own notebook, I returned home determined to recreate Maria's grandmother's Couscous Salad. I gathered all the ingredients - couscous, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices - and got to work in my own kitchen.

The process of making the salad was a labor of love. I carefully cooked the couscous, chopped the vegetables, and mixed everything together with a tangy dressing. The aromas that filled my kitchen were intoxicating, a symphony of flavors that transported me back to Maria's cozy kitchen in the countryside.

When I finally sat down to taste the finished dish, I was blown away. The combination of fluffy couscous, crunchy vegetables, and zesty dressing was a revelation. Each bite was a burst of freshness and flavor, a true celebration of summertime.

I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends. They all marveled at the exotic dish, asking for the recipe and showering me with compliments. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had mastered a recipe that had been passed down through generations.

From that day on, Couscous Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings, each time adding my own twist to the classic recipe. Sometimes I would throw in roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, other times I would experiment with different herbs and spices.

But no matter how I changed the recipe, the essence of Maria's grandmother's Couscous Salad remained the same. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

As I grew older, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends, family, and cookbooks. But the Couscous Salad always held a special place in my heart, a symbol of my culinary journey and the friendships that had inspired me along the way.

And so, whenever I make a batch of Couscous Salad, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for Maria, her grandmother, and the magical recipe that brought us all together. It is a dish that transcends time and space, a taste of tradition and love that will always hold a place in my heart.