Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Couscous Primavera Salad

Couscous Primavera Salad

Sometime during the first couple of months that Brian and I were dating, we'd spent a lovely summer day in Central Park and then stopped at Citarella (a large gourmet market with stores in Manhattan and the Hamptons) to pick up a few things for a light supper. Brian liked the look of a coucous primavera salad and was not disappointed when he tasted it.

Couscous Primavera Salad
In fact, he raved about it so much after that day that I wanted to recreate it for him. It took me a few tries to get the ingredients right and nail the flavor but I did it. To be truthful, their version contains mushrooms which I left out because I don't like them but otherwise it's pretty spot on. I've made it many times over the years and he never seems to get tired of it. It has a wonderfully creamy texture and tons of flavor from the sauteed veggies. I serve it as either a hot side dish with dinner or a cold lunch salad.

It also makes a great salad on the go. We love road trips and when we go, I almost always pack us a picnic lunch. Jars make great containers (in addition to being cute) and this dish is always a welcome addition to our lunch basket. Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 1/2 Cups Israeli couscous *
1 3/4 Cups chicken stock
1 Cup peas (can be frozen)
1 Cup carrots, diced (can be frozen)
1 Yellow onion
2 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Red bell pepper, diced
1 Yellow bell pepper, diced
2 Tablespoon olive oil
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste

Couscous Primavera Salad
Pour the oil into a pot and add the onion, garlic, peas, carrots and peppers. Saute until soft, being careful not to burn the garlic.Add the couscous and stir to coat. Add the chicken stock, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to low.

Simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Toss in the fresh parsley and serve. Makes approximately 6 servings.

*  Israeli couscous (larger than standard couscous) is available at most large markets in the rice and grains aisle. 

25 comments:

  1. Such a cool idea! And I love the story, too sweet <3

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  2. Emily @ A Perfect PantryApril 10, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Love all the colours in this, really stands out.

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  3. It is fun to try to recreate something that you have ate that was made at a restaurant or gourmet market! I know that sometimes it is not an easy task, but I am sure it was well worth it. Also, I am glad you posted this after all this time-you have been holding back on us. I really do like all the components you put into this dish-delicious!

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  4. This sounds delicious. I love that you used a ball jar to keep some for later. This would be a nice addition to my work week lunches. Great recipe!

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  5. I love recreating my favorite restaurant food!!! Only the best chefs usually figure it out.

    This looks so divine and fresh tasting!! YUM!

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  6. Sweet story!I love this preparation of couscous and cannot wait to try it!!Looks absolutely delicious and so healthy!
    Btw I have an award waiting for you, my friend ;)

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  7. This looks SO good I wish I had a giant bowl of it right this minute. I've learned to really love couscous and always want to make it at home but I've never had the chance...maybe this is a sign :D

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  8. Looks like yours turned out absolutely perfect :) I've been a big orzo salad kick, maybe its time to bring on the couscous! Your salad looks super good! I would like that for dinner now please :)

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  9. That sounds delicious - I love all kinds of salads but so often get sick of eating plain old pasta salads. What a great alternative!

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  10. I love Israeli couscous! This salad is gorgeous and colorful--it looks so good!

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  11. Mmmm I love this idea! Pasta primavera is one of my favorites and swapping the pasta with couscous makes this dish even better! Really great idea, looks yummy!

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  12. This looks great! I love the combo of flavors and the portability of this. Yummy!

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  13. I adore Israeli couscous...and your salad looks just marvelous! So colorful and delicious~

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  14. This sounds like it would be a perfect lunch, especially in the summer!

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  15. This sounds so simple and looks so delicious! I can't wait to make a huge batch as a side for dinner and eat the leftovers for lunch the next day!

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  16. Love this... so bright, delicious, looks amazing. Want to try this!

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  17. I don't think I've ever seen couscous prepared like this, I love it! so different!

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  18. You have made this a banquet... I love the colors... more desireable than normal...

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  19. COUS-COUS Primavera? Genius! I love pasta primavera and cous-cous! This is genius...and so lovely!

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  20. This salad look so refreshing - what a deliciously creative idea :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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  21. I adore Israeli cous cous it's one of my favorites. This sounds like an incredible recipe that I will have to try soon great post!

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  22. Awesome salad. Looks tasty.

    http://leascooking.blogspot.com/search/label/Salads

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  23. It's so colorful! I love all the crunchy veggies you've added.

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  24. I have been looking for an Israeli Cous cous recipe. I will defiantly be making this!

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  25. You must be onto something. Costco sells a salad very similar to this now. Looks like a great recipe! Thanks for posting it!

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