Moroccan Couscous Salad

Submitted by tbean1

"Delicious sweet cold salad perfect for picnic, BBQ, or pot luck."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 18
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup peanut oil or 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 1⁄2 - 2 cups couscous
• 2 1⁄2 cups water or 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
• 1⁄4 cup orange juice
• 1 -2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas
• 1 (8 ounce) can mandarin oranges
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 green bell peppers or 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup golden raisin
• 2 -3 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons peanuts (optional) or 2 tablespoons almonds (optional)
• salt

directions

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in medium saucepan. Add all spices and dry couscous. Stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Being careful not to burn.
2. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to serving bowl and fluff with a fork.
4. In a small bowl combine 3 tbsp oil, orange juice, sugar, and salt to taste. Blend well.
5. Add remaining veggies and dressing. Combine well. Add cilantro and nuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Reviews

[christina7689]

I was not as impressed with this as the other reviewers.<br/><br/>I found it was surprisingly bland. The 1/4 tsp of the various spices really didn't cut it for such a big salad. If i make it again, I will seriously up the spices.

 

[LWA says]

Excellent salad, delicious flavors. I only used half an onion (prefer lighter onion flavor), subbed pine nuts for peanuts, and tossed in some crumbled feta, because I had some to use up in the fridge. Very lovely dish.

 

[adopt a greyhound]

Loved this salad. Served with Recipe #15580. Had a little left the next day and the flavors were even better. I didn't have chickpeas and made with fresh clementines.

 

[jnpj7468]

Wow, this salad is incredible! There is so much flavor packed into such little pasta. I followed the recipe exactly other than omitting the optional nuts, and I loved the way all of the ingredients came together. I was worried that it would be overpoweringly sweet, but it ended up being a perfect blend between sweet, savory, and spicy. The spice mix is wonderful and smells divine while toasting. This will definitely be a favorite of mine from now on. Thanks for the lovely recipe!

 

[Phoebe B.]

So tasty! Could eat it daily!