Chorizo And Preserved Lemon Couscous Food

CHORIZO AND PRESERVED LEMON COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Toast the couscous in a saucepan over medium heat until evenly golden, being careful not to burn it. Add 1 cup (250ml) water and a pinch of salt and cook until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until almost crispy, about 3 minutes. Add the shallot and cook until soft. Stir in the garlic and preserved lemon peel.
• Stir the couscous into the chorizo mixture. Just before serving, drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in the chives and parsley and season with salt and pepper.
• Preserved Lemons:.
• Wash the lemons very well. Cut each lemon lengthwise in quarters without slicing all the way through, leaving the lemons whole. Place the lemons in a sterilized jar. Add the salt, lemon juice, peppercorns and kaffir lime leaves and mix well. Add more lemon juice if needed to just cover the lemons. Close with a lid and refrigerate. Stir the lemons every day or two to help dissolve the salt. Allow the lemons to cure for at least 1 week. Rinse under cold water before using.

VEGETABLE COUSCOUS WITH CHICKPEAS & PRESERVED LEMONS

Steps:

• For the broth, bring the stock to a simmer in a large pan. Add the harissa and vegetables, bring back to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 mins. Add the figs and continue to cook for 5 mins more until the veg is tender.
• Meanwhile, put the couscous and half the chickpeas into a bowl, add the butter, and season. Pour 350ml boiling water over the couscous, cover with cling film, leave aside for 10 mins, then fluff up with a fork.
• In a separate bowl, combine the red onion, spring onions, harissa, olive oil, remaining chickpeas, lemon juice and coriander, then mix into the couscous. Pile onto a large deep serving dish, ladle over the braised vegetables and broth, and sprinkle with the preserved lemons and chopped mint.

CHORIZO, ROCKET & PRESERVED LEMON CALZONES

Steps:

• For the dough, put the flour, paprika, yeast, oil, 300ml lukewarm water and a large pinch of salt in a bowl. Mix into a soft, slightly wet dough. Knead in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or by hand for 10 mins until smooth (it will still be quite soft). Tip into an oiled bowl, cover and leave to rise for 2 hrs.
• Meanwhile, make the filling. Fry the chorizo in a large saucepan over a medium heat for 2 mins until some of its oils have been released. Add the garlic and continue to fry for 30 seconds. Add the passata, sugar, vinegar and preserved lemons, and simmer for 5 mins until thick. Stir in the basil and rocket. Leave to cool.
• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 with a baking sheet inside. Divide the dough into four pieces, then roll each out on a lightly dusted surface to a thin 30cm circle. Lay each circle on a square of baking parchment dusted with semolina. Spread the cooled filling over half of each circle, leaving a border, then top with some of the mozzarella. Brush around the edge of each circle with a little water. Working with one circle at a time, fold one half over the other so the filling is enclosed, then crimp the edge to seal. The calzones can now be frozen for up to three months (see below). Lift the calzones on the parchment squares onto the hot baking sheet in the oven, sprinkle the parmesan on top, and bake for 15-20 mins until puffed up and golden brown.

COUSCOUS WITH CHORIZO & CHICKPEAS

Steps:

• Prepare couscous with vegetable stock, according to the packet's instructions.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan and stir fry the chorizo for 3-4 mins. Remove with a slotted spoon and put aside. Add the onion to the oil left in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the paprika, cook for 1 min, then tip in the chickpeas and the chicken stock. Return the chorizo to the pan and simmer for 2 mins. Spoon over the couscous and scatter with chopped parsley.