Couscous Nicoise Food

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND TUNA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium-size saucepan. Add the couscous and reduce the heat to very low. Cover the pot and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, until the couscous is just tender. (I pull the pot halfway off the heat.) Drain in a colander.
• Meanwhile, combine the tuna, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, capers, olives, red peppers, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper in a large bowl. Pour the hot couscous into the mixture and stir well. Cover and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in the scallions, basil, juice of the 1/2 lemon, and 1 more teaspoon of salt. Taste for seasonings and serve warm or at room temperature.

ROASTED RED PEPPER COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Place the couscous in a large bowl.
• Bring 2 cups of lightly salted water to a boil.
• Pour the water over couscous and cover with plastic wrap.
• Let sit for 10 min.
• Uncover and fluff with a fork.
• Meanwhile heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the onion and zucchini and cook until lightly browned.(about 5 min)
• Add the zucchini and onion, along with the remaining ingredients to the couscous and mix well.
• Season with aditional salt and freshly ground pepper if desired.

COUSCOUS NICOISE

Steps:

• Add the water to a small saucepan over high heat. Add the salt, butter and the smashed garlic clove and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with pepper and additional salt, if needed, and let cool.
• For assembly:
• On a medium-size platter, pile the cooled couscous into the center, ring it with the greens, then neatly arrange the remaining vegetables in individual segments. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat and add the green beans. Blanch for 2 minutes, then remove to an ice bath and let cool.
• In a small glass bowl or jar, whisk the mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste and garlic together. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking. Add the salt and pepper and adjust seasonings, if necessary. Let sit for 20 minutes, then whisk before serving.