Cous cous is available in gourmet super markets in India. I read some where that it is not a grain but a type of pasta and is a staple in diet of people from North African countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya etc. Other varieties of cous cous are also consumed in middle-eastern countries.
I picked up a packet of cous cous on my last trip to Dorabjee's, Pune. Cous cous is easy to make and it requires no cooking - you just need to allow it to stand in hot water for few minutes until all the water is absorbed. It fluffs up and the grains can be separated using a fork. It is best to follow the directions on packet for this part of preparation as the time required to soak can vary between different varieties and brands.
On its own, it is flavourless so it can be used with other ingredients to create interesting variations. My preferred way of having cous cous is as salad and it makes for ideal summertime lunch. Last week I prepared cous cous salad for our lunch and we really liked it. I would like to share my recipe here.
Easy and Healthy Cous Cous Salad
Ingredients
- Cous cous - 70 gms
- Water - 140 ml
- Chick Peas - 1 cup. Canned or Soaked overnight and boiled.
- Spinach - handful of fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- Onion - 1 medium onion chopped
- Roasted Almonds - half a cup, sliced or chopped
- Pomegranate seeds - half a cup
- Cumin powder - 1 tsp
- Chilli powder - 1 tsp
- Salt as per taste
- Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tbsp
- Lime Juice - 1 tbsp
Method
Take cous cous in a glass bowl and pour boiled water along with a small spoonful of oil and salt. Cover the bowl and allow it to stand for 5 minutes. Cous cous will absorb the water and fluff up. Separate the grains using a fork. I followed instructions on the packet for this - would advise you to do the same.
Add boiled chick-peas, chopped spinach leaves, chopped onions, pomegranate seeds and roasted almonds. Mix well. Next add the seasoning - chilli powder and cumin powder and more salt if needed.
Prepare the dressing separately - take olive oil in a small bowl. Add lime juice and mix well. Pour dressing over the salad and mix again.
