Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages

Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages Recipe - From Tunisia

Region / culture: Tunisia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the traditional North African staple of couscous with grilled sausages for a hearty and delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight dinner.

History

Couscous is a staple food in North African cuisine, particularly in Tunisia, where it is often served as a side dish or as a main course. Grilled sausages are a popular protein choice in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, and they pair perfectly with the light and fluffy texture of couscous. This recipe combines these two ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

For couscous

5 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 and 0.33 cups couscous
1 tsp ground cumin
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
0.75 tsp salt
1 cup tomato juice
1 cup water

For Sausages

1 lb (454 g) mild or hot italian sausages or a combination
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tomato, diced
0.5 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

How to prepare

For couscous: In a large frying pan with a lid, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, couscous, cumin, cayenne, and 0.5 tsp of salt to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the couscous starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato juice and water. Bring to a simmer. Cover, remove from the heat, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Transfer the couscous to a platter or a large glass or stainless-steel bowl to cool.
For sausages: Meanwhile, light the grill or heat the broiler. Coat the sausages with 0.5 tbsp of oil. Grill or broil the sausages, turning occasionally, until completely cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. When the sausages are cool enough to handle, cut them into thin slices.
To serve: Toss the cooled couscous with the lemon juice, the remaining 3-0.5 tbsp of oil, 0.25 tsp of salt, and the tomato. Top with the sliced sausages and the cilantro.
Wine recommendation: Australian Shiraz is an all-purpose red that pairs particularly well with grilled dishes. It offers lots of ripe blackberry flavor, pepper nuances, and a soft, lush texture.

Variations

Try using different types of sausages, such as lamb or chicken, for a unique flavor twist.
Add roasted bell peppers or olives to the couscous salad for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute quinoa or rice for the couscous for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the couscous until it is tender and fluffy, but not mushy.

- Grilling the sausages adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also broil them if you prefer.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the couscous salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages with a side of fresh salad greens or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the sausages adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also pan-fry or bake them if you prefer. Make sure to cook them until they are completely cooked through before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have couscous on hand, you can substitute quinoa, rice, or bulgur for a similar texture and flavor. You can also use any type of sausage or protein of your choice in place of the Italian sausages.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the couscous salad and grill the sausages ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages on a large platter or individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the flavors of the couscous and sausages. You can also serve it with a light beer or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

The couscous in this recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are important for heart health and overall well-being. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

The grilled sausages in this recipe are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and cilantro, as well as iron and calcium from the sausages. It also contains antioxidants from the olive oil.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the couscous and may contain dairy if the sausages are made with milk. Please check the ingredients list for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support your health and well-being.

Summary

Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages is a delicious and nutritious meal option that combines the flavors of North African cuisine with grilled sausages for a satisfying dish. With a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima who had just returned from a trip to Tunisia. She invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and grilled meats.

As Fatima prepared the dish, she shared with me the story of how she learned to make it. She had spent a week in Tunisia, exploring the markets and sampling the local cuisine. One evening, she stumbled upon a bustling street food stall where a friendly old man was grilling sausages over an open flame. Intrigued, she struck up a conversation with him and learned that he had been making these sausages for over 50 years using a secret blend of spices passed down through generations.

Fatima watched intently as the man cooked the sausages to perfection, then served them over a bed of fluffy couscous mixed with a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything she had ever tasted before, and she knew she had to recreate the dish back home.

After returning from her trip, Fatima spent hours experimenting in her kitchen, trying to replicate the flavors she had experienced in Tunisia. She finally perfected the recipe and was excited to share it with me.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite of the Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages and was instantly transported back to that bustling street food stall in Tunisia. The blend of spices, the charred smokiness of the sausages, and the freshness of the vegetables all combined to create a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I asked Fatima for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have added my own twist by incorporating different vegetables, experimenting with different spices, and even trying different types of sausages.

As I look back on that day with Fatima, I am reminded of the magic of food and how it has the power to connect us to different cultures and traditions. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and pass it down to future generations, knowing that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Now, whenever I make Tunisian Couscous Salad with Grilled Sausages, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Fatima's kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of spices and the laughter of good friends. And I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this delicious dish.