Pip’s Simple Lunchy Couscous
100g instant couscous
1 large peeled and grated carrot
1 large tomato, diced
1 small cucumber, diced
1/2 a handful of fresh herbs, chopped roughly : I used mint, basil and parsley
1/2 tsp of nice curry powder
juice of one lemon
lots of white pepper, black pepper and some sea salt too
(NB :: you can add other things too : some smoked paprika perhaps… or you could add some fresh chilli… or harissa… or maybe you want to throw in some sliced mushrooms… or red onion… or roasted garlic… blanched snow peas… tofu… nuts… leftover roast vegetables… go wild!)
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Let’s go!
Prepare the couscous : boil the kettle. Put your measured out instant couscous in a measuring jug (100g is about 1/2 cup) Pop it in a bowl and add 1/2 cup (that is, the exact same quantity!) of boiling water and a tiny splash of olive oil or other nice oil*. (Nut oil would be yummy). Stir with a fork and cover with cling wrap.
Leave that alone while you chop and grate. Chop and grate as detailed above, if you please.
Now check that your couscous is soft and ready. Taste it. Is it? Great. If not cover it again and leave to sit a bit longer. It doesn’t take very long at all.
When your couscous is ready, uncover it and toss it in a big bowl with all the other ingredients (and any others you like!)
Serve at once. You could add a dollop of hummus or yoghurt if you want.
Tell me if you make this… and how you do it differently…
* Instant couscous is made with equal parts couscous and boiling water :: 2 cups of couscous? 2 cups of boiling water! :: 1 cup of couscous? 1 cup of boiling water!
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