Israeli Couscous With Edamame And Asparagus Food

ISRAELI COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Bring a small pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the Israeli couscous and cook until cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes. Strain from the water and reserve.
• Coat a large saute pan with olive oil. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and bring to high heat. After a few minutes, add the almonds to toast them in the oil. When the garlic is golden and very aromatic, remove it from the pan and discard it. Add the cooked couscous and chicken stock. Season with salt and cook until the stock has reduced by half. Add the pomegranate seeds, apricots, and scallions. Stir to combine and taste to make sure it is delicious.
• Serve hot or at room temperature.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ASPARAGUS, CUCUMBER AND OLIVES

Steps:

• In a small non-reactive bowl combine the garlic, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Whisk in the oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Bring the broth to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Stir in the couscous. Cover pan, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the couscous is tender and all the broth is absorbed, approximately 10 minutes.
• Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Cool the couscous to room temperature.
• Once cooled, stir in the blanched asparagus, cucumber, olives, green onions, and 1/4 cup mint leaves. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Gently mix in the feta cheese.
• Garnish with mint sprigs.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CHICKPEA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
• Transfer the couscous to a bowl and add the cilantro, chives, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas and red pepper.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the lemon juice, salt, cumin, remaining olive oil, yogurt and Aleppo pepper or chili powder. Toss with the couscous mixture. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat.

LEMONY ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add Israeli couscous. Toast couscous until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly pour in boiling water. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until couscous is tender and water has been absorbed, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add asparagus and a pinch of salt; saute until asparagus is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Stir lemon zest into the asparagus in the last few minutes of cooking. Add cooked couscous and toss with the asparagus mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preparation: Roast tomatoes and garlic as follows. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and place CUT SIDE UP on a roaster pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Toss in UNpeeled cloves of garlic. Roast in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until you see bits of brown around the pan. No need to turn. Hint - you are roasting with the cut side up to allow more liquid to evaporate from the tomatoes.
• Meanwhile, cook Israeli couscous according to package directions. Another grain could be substituted, such as bulgar or barley. You should have about 3 cups cooked. Allow to cool slightly before combining. Hint - you can toss in 1 T. olive oil to keep it from sticking until you are ready to toss the salad.
• Make dressing: combine olive oil, vinegar, soft insides of roasted garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together.
• Assembly: Combine couscous, olives, edamame beans, parsley and basil with dressing. Gently toss and serve at room temperature, or refrigerate.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Toast 1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous in olive oil in a saucepan, stirring, 3 minutes. Add 3 cups water and bring to a boil; cook until al dente, 7 minutes, then drain. Whisk 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and 1/4 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Toss with the couscous, chopped pistachios, shaved Parmesan and torn mint.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS, BEAN AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine finely chopped tomatoes, garlic, salt, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add beans and Israeli couscous and toss together. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes (or longer).
• Meanwhile, place chopped onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Soak 5 minutes, drain and rinse. Drain on paper towels and add to couscous and bean mixture. Add basil, chives, and pepper, and toss together.
• Line plates or a platter with lettuce leaves. Top with salad. Sprinkle feta over the top and serve.

ISRAELI COUSCOUS WITH ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• To cook asparagus place water in a medium saucepan; bring water to a boil. Add asparagus, and cook 2 minutes or just until crisp-tender; drain. Place asparagus in ice water 1 minute; drain. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil. Add couscous; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and cook 5 minutes.
• Stir in asparagus, black pepper, red bell pepper and cashews. Cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.