The Best Couscous

Couscous is a wonderfully versatile low GI pasta made from tiny grains of dough served steamed. It hails from Morocco and enjoyed in Algeria and Northern Africa, but we Kiwis love its health benefits and light texture.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 cup raw couscous, preferably whole wheat
1/4 tsp salt, plus more to taste
4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1-1/2 cups boiling vegetable stock or water
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp coriander seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp caraway seeds
Pinch of cayenne pepper or to taste
1 medium red or yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red, orange, or yellow bell pepper, sliced or diced
1-1/2 cups courgettes sliced
2 cups sliced green or golden zucchini or other summer squash
1 medium to large tomato, diced
2/3 cup vegetable stock
2 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro or parsley
2 Tbsp dried currants
2 Tbsp coarsely chopped pistachio nuts

Method

1. Toss together the couscous and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Drizzle in 1 tsp of the oil, and stir until the couscous is evenly coated. Pour the boiling stock over the couscous, cover the bowl tightly, and set it aside for about 10 minutes.
2. Grind together the cumin, turmeric, coriander, fennel, caraway, and cayenne in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle; set aside.
3. Set a wok over medium-high heat, pour the remaining oil around the rim, and tilt the pan to coat the sides.
4. Add the onion and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until translucent. Stir in the garlic and continue stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Gradually add the bell pepper, corgettes, and zucchini, stirring all the while.
6. Add the spice mixture and cook for about 1 minute longer, stirring constantly.
7. Stir in the tomato and stock. Bring the liquid just to a simmer, cover the wok tightly, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender. Add salt to taste.
8. Fluff the couscous and mound it on a platter or individual plates.
9. Serve the vegetables on top, garnished with the cilantro, currants, and pistachios.

This dish is the perfect side to accompany a tagging or other slow-cooked meat dishes.

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