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    Friday, November 18, 2011

    Beautiful Cous Cous-Healthy Fast Food-Fresh, Fragrant and Fast.

    I am trying to use food I have in the house, instead of just running off to the Supermarket everyday.
    There is lots of goodies in the pantry and the freezer
    Its a lovely day and a nice fresh Citrusy Couscous seemed like a good idea for lunch.

    I also thought it would a good addition to Ruth at Once Upon A Feast 's weekly event Presto Pasta Nights. This time the event is being hosted by Simona at Briciole click here to visit Simona's blog


    There were some blanched almonds in the freezer, an orange and celery in the fridge...sultanas, onions and couscous in the pantry. Plus fresh herbs from the garden.
    That will do.

    I like the instant Couscous, it is so simple and you can make a meal less than 20 minutes.
    Fresh, fragrant and fast.
    You can change the quantities, I used what I had.
    In the dressing, I added a little Cider Vinegar, just for some extra acid to boost the orange juice

    So: Take
    1 tablespoon butter
    1 onion, finely chopped
    1 stick celery, finely chopped
    2 cups boiling chicken stock (I used a stock cube)
    1 cup instant Couscous
    Zest of 1 orange
    Handful each of parsley, mint and chives
    2 tablespoons blanched almonds toasted in a pan, then roughly chopped
    2 tablespoon sultanas

    Dressing
    Juice 1/2 medium orange
    1 teaspoon cider vinegar
    2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Melt butter in a saucepan
    Add onion and celery
    Saute gently till soft

    Add boiling chicken stock
    Bring back to boil

    Turn heat off
    Add Couscous and stir
    Cover and leave for about 10 minutes

    Meanwhile
    Toast the almonds gently, then chop
    Zest the orange
    Chop the herbs
    and make the dressing.


    Just add all of the ingredients and stir well.
    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
    A lovely light lunch.

    3 comments:

    Ruth Daniels said...

    Isn't it wonderful what we can pull together without having to go shopping! Thanks for sharing this with Presto Pasta Nights.

    I love how couscous makes such an easy base for anything.

    Simona Carini said...

    I totally love the concept of using what we already have without running out to get more. And I love how you describe your dish! Thank you so much for contributing to Presto Pasta Nights.

    Shelby said...

    I like to try and use what is in my pantry also and have gone a few weeks without having to get groceries. Its just two of us in our house so its a little easier to do so :O) Your couscous dish sounds delicious!