Saturday, August 10, 2013

Orange and almond couscous

Some things are so simple, it's hard to believe they taste as good as they do. Fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables are one such example. I would submit that this dish is another.


It is, in truth, the fruit and vegetables that makes this couscous sing. Sweet from the orange and peppered with variety from the vegetables, this is a dish that highlights how good food can also be simple food. Every mouthful delivers taste and nutrition in beautiful harmony.


If you wanted something with more protein, substituting quinoa for the couscous would be a nice alternative, and something I'm keen to try myself in future. Other nuts can also stand in for the almonds, or you could use chickpeas instead. Just don't leave out the orange juice...I'm calling that essential.

Orange and almond couscous
Serves 1 as a main or 2-3 as a side
Vegan


Ingredients
1/2 cup couscous
Juice and pulp of one orange (mine yielded 1/3 cup juice)
1/2 zucchini, chopped
1 small carrot, chopped
1 stick celery, chopped
Handful of almonds

Water, extra, for cooking

Method
Add the couscous to a medium saucepan along with the orange pulp. In a measuring cup, top up your orange juice with water to give 1/2 cup of liquid and then add to the couscous. Bring to the boil.

When the couscous has reached boiling point, reduce heat to low, add the chopped vegetables, and allow to simmer covered for 1-2 minutes. Then turn off heat altogether, stir, and allow to stand covered for an additional 2 minutes.

Top with almonds and serve.


It's a bit like eating sunshine.

Submitted to Ricki's Wellness Weekend 8th to 12th August 2013 and Healthy Vegan Friday #55.

What is your favourite way to make couscous?

23 comments:

  1. What a delicious idea!
    I have never thought to use orange juice. Although I do make a cous cous dish with apple juice, sultana and pine nuts YUM

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    1. That sounds incredible! I'll have to try that next - thanks for the idea.

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  2. My favourite way to use couscous is super easy = some finely chopped preserved lemon mixed through the couscous, then add boiling water and let stand. That's it, but the salty lemon is amazing in it.

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    1. You're the second person to recommend that approach to me! I will have to find some salty lemons and try it out - thanks :)

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  3. sounds lovely - I am feeling slightly guilty about citrus after hearing a news report this week about how we as a society aren't eating citrus as much these days as we used to - so I am trying to eat a bit more - this sounds like a great way to eat more - though I think I might need a little seasoning in the recipe

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    1. I hardly eat citrus either in truth - I don't tend to eat oranges as a fruit option and mandarins are something I like occasionally rather than regularly. So I'm glad I made this before you told me about that report! Adding extra seasoning / herbs would no doubt be great too.

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  4. Yep, I could do orange this way. I'd be throwing in some herbs too, though.

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    1. I contemplated using basil and oregano but my contemplation didn't translate to action...I'm sure any additions would be good though, and if it helps with the orange, well, season away.

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  5. This looks like a very refreshing salad. I think the almonds and the orange would be a wonderful combination. xx

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    1. Thanks Charlie - I certainly found them to be.

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  6. This looks delicious Kari! I like sweet with savoury - a lot - so this would be magnificent.

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    1. I'm always perplexed when people don't like sweet with savoury. I'm glad you're similar to me!

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  7. I love this! I'm fond of couscous but not plain. It's got to have something in it and this would make me happy.

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    1. I like it plain as well as flavoured, but definitely think flavoured is better!

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  8. Cous cous always reminds me of my mum as she always used to make it for us as a kid with apricots, toasted chopped almonds and raisins and it was really yummy.

    This recipe looks really good!

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    1. Your Mum's version sounds really good too! So many good couscous ideas.

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  9. This looks like a wonderful - and simple - dish. I'd love it with quinoa too!

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    1. Thanks Beth - I do think a quinoa version would be great as well!

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  10. Good god I love the sound of this. Well I pretty much love the sound of anything with orange in it. :) And couscous is so yummy and simple!

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