Couscous with Fresh Mint and Parsley

 

If you are looking for a side dish to serve with your main meal, then look no further.  This is a fast couscous dish with cucumber, tomato, dried apricots, slivered almonds and a hint of cumin.  

Couscous with Fresh Mint and Parsley

Serves 4 to 6

Couscous:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup boiling water
1 cup dry couscous

Salad:

1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh, grated ginger
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and chopped
6 dried apricots, chopped small
1/2 medium English cucumber, diced
1 large tomato, diced
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped


For the dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup orange Juice (from one medium-sized orange)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste


Directions:

Put 1 cup of dry couscous in a small bowl and pour boiling water over it. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Give it a stir and then cover it with a plate for five minutes. Then, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté onions, garlic and ginger until soft, about 6-8 minutes.

In a medium-sized bowl add the couscous, cooked onion mixture, jalapeño pepper, apricots, cucumber, tomato, almonds, mint and parsley.

In a small jar, combine the olive oil, orange juice, vinegar, Dijon mustard and cumin. Pour over the couscous mixture, season with salt and pepper, and combine well.