Easy Tasty Couscous

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Makes 6-8 servings

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

Makes 6-8 servings

This is a yummy, easy dish to have for a quick dinner side dish. It really is a convenient dish to take to a party since you can put the ingredients (except the almonds) in the bowl and cover to let it steam while you head to the party.  By the time you arrive and greet the hosts and party guests, the dish will be ready to serve.  All you have to do is add the almonds and fluff the couscous. Couscous and dried cherries or cranberries can be found in the bulk section at the Lost RiverMarket & Deli. Feel free to try other dried fruits and nuts with this dish. 

Couscous [KOOS-koos] is a staple of North African cuisine. Couscous is granular pasta. Cooked, it may be served with milk as porridge, with a dressing as a salad or sweetened and mixed with fruits for dessert.

1 1/4 cups plain whole-wheat couscous 

½ cup dried cherries or dried cranberries

1 bunch of scallions, sliced

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 ¾ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

½ cup slivered almonds, toasted

In a heat proof bowl, mix the first four ingredients. In a saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the broth to the couscous mixture and stir. Immediately cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate. Let stand covered for 30 minutes. Remove plastic wrap or plate. Fluff couscous with a fork. Mix in the toasted almonds. If mixture seems too dry, just add a bit more broth.

*This is great with roasted chicken. Pour the drippings or sauce over the couscous. This couscous is also great leftover. Just reheat in the microwave.