Let's Talk BBQ

Recipes => Recipes => Veggies, Casseroles, & Other Side Dishes => Topic started by: 1Bigg_ER on August 05, 2014, 09:09:02 PM

Title: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on August 05, 2014, 09:09:02 PM
 :-*Hey boys hey gals, let's get cousing.
You'll need.
1 beer of your choice
1 Cup Israeli couscous
Grape tomatoes
Sliced almonds or pine nuts
Some type of red pepper, here I used Fresno peppers
Two handfuls of baby spinach
2 1/2 cups chicken stock. Better than bouillon is my favorite. Or you can use water but why would you?


For dressing:
About 1/3 cup olive oil
About 3 tablespoons white balsamic, rice wine or white wine vinegar
About 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (key ingredient )
S&P to your taste.

Directions:
Pour beer in a glass, we're making a salad so we'll be slightly classy. Take a sip, relax it's only food.

(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r636/emtawali/dirty%20bastard_zps5yguvifl.jpg) (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/emtawali/media/dirty%20bastard_zps5yguvifl.jpg.html)

Mix all the dressing ingredients and taste, if you want more tart add more vinegar, etc.

In a good size sauce pan on medium heat, add some olive oil and toast the couscous until lightly golden brown, add some salt and stock. Bring to a boil and cook until couscous is plump and tender. Takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
Drink half of the remaining beer, go ahead, you're about to eat salad after all.
Meanwhile, half the tomatoes, dice the peppers, toast the nuts and add all that mess in a large bowl with the spinach.
When the couscous is done you may need to drain the excess liquid and let it cool slightly before adding to the bowl of the other mess.
Add the dressing and mix well, taste for seasoning, add some herbs if you want. Basil works great.

Plate,

(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r636/emtawali/IMG_20140805_185855_zpssbqhmplj.jpg) (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/emtawali/media/IMG_20140805_185855_zpssbqhmplj.jpg.html)

Add protein of your choice, here I have chili rubbed tilapia.

(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r636/emtawali/Couscous%20Cous_zps5i3fthts.jpg) (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/emtawali/media/Couscous%20Cous_zps5i3fthts.jpg.html)

I haven't forgotten about you Sparky, let me have some salad before I practice on ribs. LOL

 

Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: sparky on August 05, 2014, 09:34:23 PM
I want salad too.  that looks super good.  looks real refreshing.  I would like one of the plates w/ protein also.  milk?   ;)
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on August 05, 2014, 09:36:50 PM
I want salad too.  that looks super good.  looks real refreshing.  I would like one of the plates w/ protein also.  milk?   ;)

Thank you Sparky!
Chocolate milk in a beer mug!
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: teesquare on August 05, 2014, 10:14:14 PM
 Beautiful! I love fish w/couscous
I did some Moroccan style cod on a bed of couscous - "en Papillote" but use foil instead of parchment. Will do it again soon.
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on August 05, 2014, 11:34:14 PM
Beautiful! I love fish w/couscous
I did some Moroccan style cod on a bed of couscous - "en Papillote" but use foil instead of parchment. Will do it again soon.

Thank you Tee!
I experimented with making mac and cheese, well couscous and cheese. Worked out pretty good.
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: Smokin Don on August 06, 2014, 01:10:20 AM
It looks delicious Biggs!!! I can not find the Israeli cous cous here, may order some. Don
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: sliding_billy on August 06, 2014, 04:53:06 AM
Looks great.  I like how DB tags as Scotch "style" Ale.  It is good though.  Not perfectly authentic, but better than most of what you get on this side of the pond.
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: HighOnSmoke on August 06, 2014, 06:43:01 AM
 Very delicious looking salad!
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: muebe on August 06, 2014, 07:48:23 AM
That is one great looking salad! I love couscous! And beer ;)

I will take your plate Bigg. Sparky can make you some ribs instead :)
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on August 06, 2014, 08:32:00 AM
That is one great looking salad! I love couscous! And beer ;)

I will take your plate Bigg. Sparky can make you some ribs instead :)

I think Sparky frames his ribs instead of eating them.
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: Las Vegan Cajun on August 06, 2014, 10:43:14 AM
Great looking plate, nicely done.  ;)
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on August 07, 2014, 10:44:58 AM
Great looking plate, nicely done.  ;)

Much appreciated!!
Title: Re: Israeli couscous salad ~ coz 1 cous ain't enough
Post by: teesquare on August 07, 2014, 11:12:11 AM
That is one great looking salad! I love couscous! And beer ;)

I will take your plate Bigg. Sparky can make you some ribs instead :)

I think Sparky frames his ribs instead of eating them.

I think he frames them with his teeth and gums..... :D :D :D