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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Couscous With Dried Fruit

partysugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:50:49 -0800

Couscous is quite possibly the world's quickest cooking grain. It takes literally five minutes to make - meaning it's an ideal ingredient for home cooks who are pressed for time. To create an entire meal with couscous, toss with sauteed vegetables, dried fruit, aromatic spices, and rotisserie chicken. Feel free to use the recipe loosely as a guide; onions and garlic aren't the only veggies that work with this dish. Butternut squash, red peppers, and broccoli would also be delicious. To look at the incredibly uncomplicated recipe, read more.

Chicken Couscous With Dried Fruit
From Williams Sonoma

Ingredients

2 lemons
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits, such as pitted dates and apricots
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups couscous
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

Grate 1 1/2 tsp. zest from the lemons and squeeze 1/4 cup juice. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic and onion are golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in the cumin and cinnamon, and then mix in the chicken, lemon zest and juice, dried fruits and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Stir in the couscous, re-cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cilantro and the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil. Toss with a fork to fluff the couscous and distribute the cilantro.
Garnish with the almonds and serve.

Serves 4.

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Skewered Fish With Couscous Is an Easy, Any Season Meal

partysugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:15:59 -0700

In terms of cooking seasonal cuisine, late September and early October can be a confusing time. The farmers markets are still overflowing with heirloom tomatoes, while butternut squash and apples begin to appear, too. I can't help but wonder, am I supposed to make Caprese salad or butternut squash soup?

Instead of obsessing over what to make, I like to select dishes that are virtually season-less, like this skewered fish with couscous. The fish chunks are coated with a store-bought tapenade before being cooked under the broiler. Served with a quick-cooking couscous, it makes for a healthy, balanced meal that comes together in minutes. To offer it to your family, check out the recipe and read more.

Mahi-Mahi Skewers With Tapenade and Couscous
From Bon Appétit

Ingredients

1 cup plain couscous (about 6 ounces)
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, divided
1/3 cup purchased tapenade
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound mahi-mahi fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup purchased pico de gallo, drained
Special equipment: Metal skewers

Directions

Preheat broiler.
Bring 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Stir in couscous and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand until water is absorbed and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir tapenade, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt in small bowl to blend.
Transfer 31/2 tablespoons tapenade mixture to another small bowl and reserve for couscous.
Thread fish pieces onto 4 metal skewers; arrange on broiler tray. Brush fish on both sides with remaining tapenade mixture. Broil fish until just opaque in center, about 4 minutes per side.
Fluff couscous with fork. Gently stir in reserved tapenade mixture. Stir in pico de gallo or serve it alongside. Mound couscous on plates. Top with fish skewers.

Serves 4.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken With Cucumbers and Couscous

partysugar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:50:00 -0700

Say good-bye to boring chicken with this creative and healthy recipe. It's a balanced meal complete with a refreshing cucumber and parsley salad and garbanzo bean couscous.

The chicken is seasoned with ground ginger and coriander, and thanks to quick-cooking boneless skinless tenders, it's ready in just five short minutes. Don't be intimidated by the multiple steps in the recipe, it really is simple. To check it out, read more.

Chicken With Cucumber and Couscous
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

1 (1 pound) seedless cucumber
1/2 cup whole flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 to 2 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup raisins
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1/2 cup couscous

Directions

Make salad: Quarter cucumber lengthwise; slice quarters 3/4 inch thick diagonally. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber, parsley, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Set aside.
Make couscous: In a small saucepan, combine chickpeas, raisins, 1 teaspoon oil, 1 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous, and cover pot; remove from heat. Set aside (at least 5 minutes) while cooking chicken. Fluff couscous gently with a fork before serving.
Make chicken: In a medium bowl, combine ginger, coriander, 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat.
Cook chicken in two batches: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high; add half the chicken, and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet, and repeat with remaining chicken. Serve with cucumber salad and couscous.

Serves 4.

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Come Party With Me: Dolores Park Picnic - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:15:00 -0700

Dolores Park is San Francisco's see-and-be-seen picnic spot. On warm weekends, the park fills up with everyone from families to hipsters looking to soak up the sun. Since the weather here is unpredictable, rarely do I plan a picnic in advance. Every time my sister calls to invite me to D-Park, I simply grab whatever is in my fridge. However, with a warm week ahead of us, I promised her that I'd make the ultimate fresh, healthy picnic. The Mediterranean-inspired menu will consist of the regular store-bought suspects (salty cheeses, briny olives, cured meats, crispy crackers) supplemented with some homemade favorites.

I'll wrap eggplant caponata and mozzarella sandwich halves in parchment paper. Then, I'll pack two salads - three bean with honey-mustard vinaigrette and couscous with spiced zucchini - in reusable plastic containers. These vegetarian-friendly recipes are perfect for picnicking anywhere so why not add them to your repertoire? To do so read more.

Caponata Picnic Sandwiches
From Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Salt
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
1(14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons raisins
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 loaf ciabatta bread, cut crosswise into 6 equal pieces
2 garlic cloves, peeled
6 slices (1/3-inch-thick) drained fresh water-packed mozzarella

Directions

Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and saute until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes.
Add the eggplant and saute until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Season with salt. Add the red pepper and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, raisins, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer over medium-low heat until the flavors blend and the mixture thickens, stirring often, about 20 minutes.
Add the vinegar, sugar, and capers. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Cut the bread pieces horizontally in half. Grill the bread cut-side down on a grill pan over medium-high heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Rub the whole garlic cloves over the toasted side of the bread.
Add a slice of mozzarella to bread bottom, spoon the caponata on top, cover with the other bread half.
Wrap the sandwiches separately in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Chill until ready to serve, or keep at room temperature up to 1 hour.

Serves 6.

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Three-Bean Salad with Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette
From Whole Living

Ingredients

Juice of 2 limes
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 pound haricots verts or green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds
1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 ounce mache or watercress, trimmed, rinsed, and spun dry
Freshly ground pepper

Directions

Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, tarragon, chives, honey, mustard, and salt until combined. Set aside.
Prepare an ice bath; set aside.
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add haricots verts or green beans; simmer until bright green but still crisp, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer haricots verts to ice bath, and let cool completely. Drain in a colander, and pat dry with paper towels.
Place in a large serving bowl. Add kidney beans and cannellini, and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss to coat. Gently toss in the mache or watercress; season with pepper. Serve.

Serves 4.

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Couscous with Spiced Zucchini
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plain couscous
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 lb zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Bring broth with 1/4 teaspoon salt just to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour over couscous in a bowl and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside until ready to use.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion with 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 6 minutes.
Add garlic and sauté, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add zucchini and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and sauté, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to moderately low, then stir in coriander, chili powder, cumin, and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. Gently stir zucchini mixture into couscous and cool to warm or room temperature. Just before serving, stir in mint and lemon juice.

Serves 4-6.

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Couscous With Vegetables and Chickpeas

partysugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:50:13 -0700

Tonight, feed your family a healthy, filling salad. Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, this dish features the aromatic flavors of cumin and lemon. Roasting the vegetables adds depth, but you can achieve the same results by firing up the grill if you prefer.

Use the recipe loosely as a guide and toss whatever vegetables you have on hand with the couscous and beans. Interested in making this vegetarian meal? Get the recipe when you read more.

Couscous With Vegetables and Chickpeas
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

1 pound carrots, sliced 3/4 inch thick on the diagonal
1 head cauliflower (3 pounds), cored and cut into florets
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup whole-wheat couscous
1 tablespoon lemon zest, plus 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from 3 lemons)
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
6 scallions, thinly sliced
5 ounces baby arugula

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place carrots and cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet; toss with cumin and 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper. Spread half the vegetables on a second baking sheet. Roast until browned and tender, 25 to 30 minutes, rotating sheets and tossing halfway through.
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups salted water to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover and remove from heat. Let stand until tender, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; set aside to cool, uncovered.
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice and remaining tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables with couscous, chickpeas, and scallions. Place arugula on a serving platter, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon dressing. Add remaining dressing to couscous mixture, and toss; serve over arugula.

Serves 4.

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Lemony Chicken With Couscous Is a Hearty, One Pot Meal

YumSugar — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:00:23 -0700

While I love to go all out when hosting dinner parties, I often opt to throw together a casual, one pot meal when close friends come over. This was the case a few weekends ago, when an old friend from high school and I caught up over a meal of chicken, Israeli couscous, and vegetables; the no-fuss dish seemed to set a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.

Although the recipe was straightforward and basic, I couldn't have been more impressed by the result. The chicken was so tender, it fell apart at the bone, and I loved the fact that the plump couscous was tinged with fragrant lemon peel and saffron. To make this for your friends, read more.

Chicken and Israeli Couscous With Tomato and Lemon
From Martha Stewart Living

Ingredients

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup Israeli couscous
1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs (4 to 6 thighs)
1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 Roma or plum tomatoes (about 1 pound), cut lengthwise into 6 slices
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
4 strips lemon peel (2 inches each)
Pinch of saffron
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
1-1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 tsp coarse salt
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add couscous, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, and return skillet to heat.
Cook chicken, smooth side down, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip, and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate, reserving drippings in skillet.
Reduce heat to medium, add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, garlic, lemon peel, and saffron, and cook, stirring frequently, until tomatoes begin to break down, 2 to 3 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet. Add wine, and cook for 4 minutes. Add stock, salt, and couscous, and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until couscous is tender and chicken is cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Stir in peas, and cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Serve immediately with lemon.

Serves 4.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: 446 calories, 3g saturated fat, 9g unsaturated fat, 86mg cholesterol, 45g carbohydrate, 342mg sodium, 32g protein, 9g fiber

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Monday's Leftovers: Moroccan Lamb

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:50:20 -0700

With a demanding schedule and a tight budget, it's only natural to develop the habit of eating the same staples for dinner each night. But getting yourself out of a cooking rut can be simple: It's about thinking outside the box with ingredients you already have in your pantry.

For instance, when you combine leftover lamb, canned tomatoes, dried fruit, and paprika with fresh ingredients like lime juice and cilantro, you'll have an exotic North African dinner on the table in no time. To transport your family to the markets of Marrakech, read more.

Moroccan Lamb
Adapted from Everyday Food

Ingredients

5 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/4 pounds boneless leg of lamb, cut into 1-inch cubes
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 large onion, halved and sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
1/2 cup pitted prunes
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish for the lamb
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Couscous, for serving (optional)

Directions

In a 5-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, heat oil over high heat. Swirl to coat bottom of pan. Season lamb with salt and pepper; cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add paprika, apricots, prunes, tomatoes, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, until tomatoes begin to break apart and sauce is thickened, 25 to 30 minutes.
Return lamb and any accumulated juices to pan; cook until heated through, about 1 minute. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve lamb with couscous, if desired; garnish with more cilantro.

Serves 4.

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Sunday Slow Cooker: Greek Stuffed Peppers

YumSugar — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 06:00:29 -0800

Looking for a low-key Sunday night meal? Look no further than tender, slow-cooked red bell peppers, stuffed with a Greek-inspired filling of fiber-rich cannellini beans, crumbled feta cheese, scallions, and herbed couscous.

Like many Mediterranean specialties, this meal is satisfyingly hearty, yet light and nutritious at the same time. For a low-carb or gluten-free version, consider swapping out the couscous for a grain like quinoa. To make this for your next meal, read more.

Greek Stuffed Peppers
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup crumbled feta (4 ounces)
1/2 cup couscous
4 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Coarse salt and ground pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Slice a very thin layer from the base of each bell pepper so they sit flat. Slice off tops just below stem. Discard stems; chop tops, and place in a medium bowl. Remove ribs and seeds from peppers.
To bowl, add beans, feta, couscous, scallion whites, garlic, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Stuff peppers with bean mixture; place upright in slow cooker. Cover; cook on high, 4 hours.
Sprinkle peppers with scallion greens; serve with lemon wedges.

Serves 4.

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Fit's Valentine's Dinner: Mediterranean Couscous

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

A Sugar user recently asked for menu ideas for a romantic, yet healthy Valentine's dinner. Yesterday, I shared my recipe for the main dish I will be serving on the 14th - Spicy Scallops with Balsamic-Braised Cabbage. I enjoy a healthy carb with most of my meals and felt that Mediterranean couscous would complement the main dish.

Couscous is easy to make and so versatile. I use the whole wheat version since it is higher in fiber. The nuts and currants add texture to the couscous as well as taste.

To see the recipe, read more.

Valentine's Couscous Timbales
Epicurious

Ingredients

3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup whole wheat couscous
1/4 cup dried currants, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 cup shelled pistachio nuts, toasted lightly
1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley, or fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
a pinch of cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

In a saucepan with a lid bring broth to a boil and stir in the couscous. Remove the pan from the heat, let the mixture stand, covered, for 5 minutes
While couscous steams mince shallot.
When couscous is done, break up any lumps with a fork and stir in shallots, and let sit for about a minute.

Add currants, the pistachios, the parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice, the cinnamon, and the oil. Toss until couscous mixture is coated with the dressing.

Pack the mixture into two 3/4-cup timbales, or small bowls, and unmold the timbales onto 2 plates.

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Be sure to check out Yum's Valentine's Dinner that won't break the scale.

Monday's Leftovers: Sautéed Shrimp & Couscous

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:45:32 -0700

If you've got leftover shrimp in your fridge, it's the perfect start of a weeknight meal. The quick-cooking shellfish, when combined with couscous and field greens, is a healthy, delicious meal.

It takes a minimal amount of time to make, so you can even prepare extra shrimp and field greens to put in a salad for the next day's lunch.

To add this recipe to your repertoire, read more.

Sautéed Shrimp And Couscous
From Whole Foods

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
8 cups loosely packed baby field greens
1/3 cup Italian-style vinaigrette dressing
1 1/4 cups uncooked couscous, prepared according to package directions
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add shrimp, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and stir well.
Arrange field greens in a serving bowl and toss with dressing.
Arrange salad on plates with shrimp and couscous, garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve.

Serves 4.

Nutrition per serving: (about 11oz/324g-wt.): 450 calories (110 from fat), 12g total fat, 2g saturated fat, 255mg cholesterol, 850mg sodium, 48g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 3g sugar), 36g protein

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