Vegetable CousCous

If you’re like many of us that has never had a truly delicious bowl of couscous, you’re in for a treat! Couscous is native to much fo African cuisine, which found its way up to Italy through years of migration and culinary exploration. We love working with couscous because it provides a unique flavor to some of our beloved recipes. The recipe for Vegetable Couscous is something one might try at a market stand in Morocco or, when varied to local conditions, in a home of a North African family. Now you, too, will be able to create this exotic tasting dish with ease! You can top your couscous with anything from meats to curries to our delicious vegetable spread. Give this one a try and let us know what else you’d love to taste atop your couscous dishes!

What You’ll Need

• ¾ cup dried, pre cooked couscous
• 1 ⅓ cups hot water
• 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 pinch of salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large whole carrots
• 1 large eggplant
• 1 handful cherry tomatoes
• 1 fresh spring onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 whole zucchini
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
• Several mint leaves to decorate

What You’ll Do

1. Clean and cut your vegetables into bite sized pieces
2. Boil your carrot chunks for several minutes until slightly softened but still primarily raw
3. Place all of your vegetables into a wok with your olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste
4. Add first your eggplant, then your onion, and zucchini.
5. Once partly cooked, add your cherry tomatoes and continue simmering
6. Finally, mix all of your vegetables in your wok until softened, glassy, and edible
7. Grate your fresh ginger and place aside
8. Place your dry couscous into a large bowl
9. Add turmeric and salt to your couscous, giving it the taste and smell you love
10. Then add your olive oil and stir completely
11. Add your boiling hot water and spread evenly into your couscous bowl
12. Cover your bowl and let the couscous soak for several minutes
13. Remove the cover and fluff with a fork
14. Dish your couscous onto your plate and place your freshly cooked vegetable mixture atop your mound of couscous.
15. Chop a few of your mint leaves and place them as a garnish on your couscous

If you haven’t tried couscous, you’re in for a treat! This recipe blends delicious African flavors with traditionally Italian vegetables. What would you love to try with your couscous?