Fruited Couscous

Directions

1. 1
   Boil 3 cups water.
2. 2
   Pour the water over the couscous in a heatproof container.
3. 3
   Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
4. 4
   Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, and serve.
5. 5
   Couscous often refers to a spicy, complex Moroccan dish, in which the grain used is traditionally cracked millet.
6. 6
   But what we refer to as couscous in our culture is actually closely related to pasta.
7. 7
   Its made from the same refined, enriched durum wheat, then shaped to resemble a grain.
8. 8
   Natural foods stores often carry whole grain couscous.
9. 9
   This mild, fluffy grain is versatile and easy to prepare.
10. 10
    Use couscous as a bed of grain in place of rice for stir-fried vegetables, curries, and highly flavored stews.
11. 11
    Because couscous is so light, it offers a nice contrast to hearty bean dishes.
12. 12
    It makes a pleasant base for light grain salads such as Couscous Salad (page 49).
13. 13
    Use 2 parts water to 1 part couscous.
14. 14
    Place the amount of grain needed in a heatproof bowl or casserole dish.
15. 15
    Bring the amount of water needed to a boil, then pour it over the couscous.
16. 16
    Cover and let stand for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
17. 17
    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.
18. 18
    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!
19. 19
    ).
20. 20
    Calories: 211
21. 21
    Total Fat: 5g
22. 22
    Protein: 4g
23. 23
    Carbohydrate: 40g
24. 24
    Cholesterol: 0mg
25. 25
    Sodium: 55mg