Five-Spice Moroccan Coucous Salad

Submitted by KristinV

"Heady Moroccan spices add an exotic touch to this colourful salad bursting with flavour."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 18
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup peanut oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups instant couscous
• 2 1⁄2 cups vegetable stock (or water)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• salt (to taste)
• 415 g can chickpeas
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 large red capsicum, seeded and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1⁄3 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1⁄4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh coriander
• 2 tablespoons unsalted peanuts, for garnish (chopped)

directions

1. Heat 1 tbs of the peanut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, cayenne and couscous. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 2 minutes, being careful not to burn. Stir in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer the couscous to a large serving bowl, using a fork to fluff it up. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3 tbs of peanut oil, orange juice, brown sugar and salt to taste. Stir to blend well and set aside.
4. The the couscous, add the chickpeas, onion, capsicum, dates and raisins, Add the dressing and toss gently to combine well. Garnish with coriander and peanuts.

Reviews

[EmmyDuckie]

Delicious! The spices really, really shine in this couscous, and all the flavors are subtle, but really come together into something that I think might just be magic. Thanks for sharing this!

 

[Sydney Mike]

Just for the 'halibut' Igot out my ol' mortar & pestle & although I didn't use it on all the spices in this recipe, I did grind down cumin! As enjoyable as it was, for the most part I'll just stick with the pre-packaged ground sipces that are so easy to come by! Made this recipe ALMOST as given, but I did like what JanuaryBride did when she made it (adding some dried apricots) & since we do like apricots . . . Absolutely great tasting salad, & something I'll be making again! Thanks for sharing the recipe! [Made & reviewed for one of the ZWT6 challenges]

 

[evelynathens]

This was dinner tonight along with Recipe #423641 and pita chips for a delicious and healthy dinner. I liked everything about this salad - the colours, the texture, the brightness, the sweetness - it was all happening. Nicely seasoned and just enough acid from the orange juice. Thanks.

 

[januarybride]

OK, so this review is coming from a tried and true Midwestern American who views Mexican and Chinese as exotic flavors. Every once in a while, I step out on a limb and try a new combo and WOW WAS THIS FANTASTIC! Holy Smokes, Batman...this is a winner of a dish! I made the recipe as written but accidentally added some dried apricots - thought the recipe called for them and it did not LOL - that being said, it was an amazing addition. I am so glad I made this recipe. Made for ZWT6, Team SSaSSy.