One morning, I woke up from a strange dream about going to Epcot Center in Disneyworld Orlando, FL. Whenever I think of Epcot, I always think of food because you get an opportunity "eat around the world" so to speak. Basically you can eat Japanese, Mexican, and German food in the same day. Who would have thought? I particularly remember how much I loved the food in "Moroccan world", especially their couscous salad. For those who do not know what couscous is, it is a Middle Eastern dish using a type of wheat called Semolina. Couscous is a staple food in Morroco and comes as tiny round, pasta-like granules. After the dream, I went searching for a recipe that was close to the one I had at Epcot, and was successful! I mean, I would drive to Orlando to get it, but its 2 hours away, I'd have to buy a ticket into the park, then pay for gas, and probably have to stop and ride the troll ride in Norway.... This is just easier lol. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this dish turned out to be so similar to the one at the park and was absolutely delicious. So without further adieu, here is the recipe!
The recipe:
Moroccan Couscous Salad
1/3 red onion
1 clove garlic
Some red bell pepper (about a half)
Some green bell pepper (about a half)
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cinnamon
1/2 cup Regular olive oil plus a little for sauteing
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/3 cup chickpeas
1/2 cup orange juice
Instant couscous ( I would suggest using about 1 cup)
Some fresh parsely
water
salt and pepper
The procedure:
Before you do anything, cook your instant couscous in a small pot with the directions on the back of the box. It is important to take the couscous off the heat after the water comes to a slight boil. Then you just let is sit with the couscous and after about 5 minutes, Baddabing! you have couscous ready to go .
1 Chop red onion, red pepper, green pepper, put into a bowl and set aside.
2. Chop garlic finely and set aside
3. Heat a little olive oil in your pan and saute onion and peppers until translucent on medium-high heat.
4. Add garlic and saute for a 1-2 minutes.
3. Add cinnamon and nutmeg. This is really to your own taste. I added just a pinch of each.
4. Lower heat to medium. Add the 1/2 cup of olive oil, the raisins, chickpeas, orange juice, salt and pepper. Let this cook through and reduce slightly to intensify the citrus flavor. If heat is too high, you may lower it to your desire.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the couscous with the pan mixture.
6. Chop the fresh parsely and add it to the bowl.
7. Mix thoroughly to coat the couscous.
8. Finally, refrigerate the couscous. To me, it's best eaten cold, but its still delicious warm.
9. Enjoy!
Notice how wonderful your kitchen smells from everything sauteing together? A little hint of cinnamon. A little hint of orange. I little hint of pepper. The unlikely combination of flavors creates a Middle Eastern masterpiece that is slightly sweet and fresh. Hope you all like it. Leave me some comments!
