Couscous

My husband thinks Garrison Keillor from Prairie Home Companion will be retelling this story on his next show!  The title will be...

The time the Norwegian Lutheran Pastor's Wife Brought Couscous Salad to a Potluck


We are teasing about this, but we do kind of live in a Lake Wobegon type area that Keillor talks about on his shows.  This couscous salad is not your standard potluck dish!  I think it's yummy and very easy to make.  I am sure some will enjoy it.

Couscous Salad

1 1/2 cups couscous

1 cup fresh lemon juice (sometimes I use the bottled kind)

1/2 cup water salt & pepper to taste

1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground cumin to taste

1 garlic clove, minced or pressed

1 large bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

4 scallions, finely chopped

1 medium red bell pepper, diced

4 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 14 ounce can (2 cups) chick peas, drained and rinsed

2 TB olive oil

1. Place the couscous in a bowl and pour on the lemon juice and water.  If the couscous isn't covered, add a little more water.  Allow to sit and absorb moisture, rubbing the couscous between your fingers every so often so that it doesn't clump together.  It should be softened (with a slight bit of crunchiness) and fluffy in 15 - 20 mins.  Add salt & pepper.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients.  Add to couscous and toss together.  Adjust the seasonings, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

I think next time I will use less lemon juice and more water.  The bottled lemon juice is a little strong.  I also did not use as much parsley and mint.  It will taste great with whatever veggies you have!  I used grape tomatoes and picked some green peppers from my garden!


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