Mediterranean Vegetable Couscous Salad Food

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Mix couscous and stock in a bowl which has a lid, let stand uncovered.
• Meanwhile, mix olives, capsicum, tomatoes herbs and shallots together in a bowl.
• Mix balsamic, lemon juice and garlic.
• Pour 1/3 of dressing over vegetables, mix well.
• Chop the broccoli into small florets about 1/2 inch wide. Cut the stalk into small pieces (about the size of a corn kernel. You want most things to be the same size in this salad.).
• By now the couscous should be almost ready.
• Add the broccoli to the couscous and put the lid on loosely.
• Microwave for 1 minute.
• Add to the salad mix and toss.
• Pour over 1/2 the remaining dressing, toss, add the remaining dressing, toss well.
• Serve whilst still warm.

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS SALAD WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Divide first 5 ingredients between 2 heavy large baking sheets. Brush vegetables with 3 tablespoons oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle herbs over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, turning occasionally, about 45 minutes. Cool. Remove and discard peels from garlic. Coarsely chop garlic. Cut roasted vegetables into 3/4-inch pieces. Set aside.
• Bring 2 1/2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 tablespoon oil to boil in medium saucepan. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with fork. Transfer to large bowl.
• Gently mix roasted garlic and vegetables, 1/4 cup oil, olives, lemon juice, capers and basil into couscous. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.)

ROASTED VEG & COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut peppers and squash into bite-size pieces (leave skin on the squash). Tip all the veg into a baking tray, add garlic, 2 tbsp oil and seasoning, then mix and roast for 20 mins. Add onion, cumin, harissa and almonds. Roast for another 20 mins, then cool.
• Put couscous into a large bowl, pour over the stock, cover, then set aside for 10 mins. Fluff up with a fork.
• In a bowl, mix zest, juice and remaining oil. Squeeze garlic pulp from skins into the bowl, mash well and fold in the mint. Pour over the veg, then toss with the couscous.

MEDITERRANEAN ROASTED VEGETABLE COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a hot oven (200c) put the red onion, peppers, garlic and courgette in an oven proof dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• When roasted (approx 25 - 30mins )remove and place to one side until couscous ready.
• Turn off oven and put pine nuts in for 5 mins as oven cools down - do not let burn.
• In a heat proof bowl combine the couscous with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, juice and zests of lemon, lime and orange and hot chicken stock. Cover for 5 minutes.
• Fluff the couscous with a fork and add the apricots, chopped mint and coriander, pine nuts, roasted vegetables and roasted garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN LEMON COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Cook couscous in 1 cup of water.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
• Pour over other ingredients combining well.
• Season with fresh pepper.