Mediterranean Roots

Couscous Salad - Taboule
     There is something I really love about couscous.  I love the light texture of it, the fluffiness of its grain, its pale yellow color which combines perfectly with any food, and its nutty flavor.  Well prepared, couscous can be a savory side dish.  I particularly like to serve it as a salad.  It is called taboule and it is a healthy and affordable Mediterranean dish.  You can find couscous at any supermarket, by the rice aisle.  Try to buy it original.  I do not like to buy flavored food since I like to add my own seasoning to it.  But, it is a matter of taste and time.  This is my own recipe creation.  I hope that you enjoy it as much as I and my family in law do.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup of couscous 
• 1 cup of water (or chicken stock)
• 1 teaspoon of butter
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup of diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes (cut them in half so they are easier to get)
• 1/4 cup of minced red onion
• 1/4 up of Calamata olives (black olives work well too)
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

First of all, you will need to cook the couscous.  For that you will need to bring to a boil 1 cup of water and the butter.  After the water boils, add the couscous and a pinch of salt.  Cover and remove from heat.  Wait for approximately ten minutes, and then stir it with a fork until there are no lumps.  Set aside.
     In a mixing bowl, add the parshley, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion and calamata olives.  Toss with the couscous, the lemon juice and the olive oil and mix well.  Add extra salt and pepper to taste.  You should let it cool in the refrigerator before serving it.  You can appreciate better this refreshing salad when cold.
     As an option, this could accompany a roasted beer can chicken.  You will find this recipe under the poultry section.
    Que aproveche!