This is a superb accompaniment to curries and other spicy dishes. See the menu with Tofu and Sweet Potato Curry, page 139.

　　

Ingredients

6 servings

　　1 1/2 cups couscous

　　2 tablespoons nonhydrogenated margarine

　　One 4-ounce package dried fruit bits

　　2 scallions, thinly sliced

　　1/2 to 1 teaspoon good-quality curry powder, or to taste

　　Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

　　

Step 1

Boil 3 cups water. Pour the water over the couscous in a heatproof container. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

　　

Step 2

Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and serve.

　　

couscous

Step 3

Couscous often refers to a spicy, complex Moroccan dish, in which the grain used is traditionally cracked millet. But what we refer to as couscous in our culture is actually closely related to pasta. It’s made from the same refined, enriched durum wheat, then shaped to resemble a grain. Natural foods stores often carry whole grain couscous. This mild, fluffy grain is versatile and easy to prepare.

　　

Step 4

Use couscous as a bed of grain in place of rice for stir-fried vegetables, curries, and highly flavored stews.

　　

Step 5

Because couscous is so light, it offers a nice contrast to hearty bean dishes.

　　

Step 6

It makes a pleasant base for light grain salads such as Couscous Salad (page 49).

　　

basic cooked couscous

Step 7

Use 2 parts water to 1 part couscous. Place the amount of grain needed in a heatproof bowl or casserole dish. Bring the amount of water needed to a boil, then pour it over the couscous. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. To use as a simple side dish, stir a touch of nonhydrogenated margarine or whipped butter into the hot cooked grain and season with a little salt. Children seem to like couscous this way; serve it to them in a bowl to make it easier to scoop up (and avoid a mess!).

　　

nutrition information

Step 8

Calories: 211

　　

Step 9

Total Fat: 5g

　　

Step 10

Protein: 4g

　　

Step 11

Carbohydrate: 40g

　　

Step 12

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 13

Sodium: 55mg

　　The Vegetarian 5-Ingredient Gourmet