Colorful Weeknight Couscous Recipes

Steps:

• Position 2 oven racks in the top and middle position, and preheat to 450 degrees F. Toss the grapes and sage leaves with 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake on the top rack until the grapes have shriveled and softened and the skins have browned, 15 to 20 minutes. Pull out some of the sage leaves to use as garnish.
• Meanwhile, season the pork all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add the pork and cook, turning as needed, until well-browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the middle rack of the oven, and roast the pork until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 145 degrees F, 11 to 12 minutes. Set aside to rest.
• While the grapes and pork roast, put the couscous in a medium bowl. Add just enough hot water to cover the couscous, cover with plastic wrap and let sit until all the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
• Slice the pork. Put the couscous on a serving platter, and top with the pork and grapes. Sprinkle with the walnuts and reserved sage leaves.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the broccoli florets, carrots, bell pepper and onion together with 2 tablespoons olive oil and some salt and pepper and spread out in an even layer on a sheet tray. Roast until the vegetables are softened slightly and browned, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring the chicken stock to a boil in a small saucepot. Sprinkle the chickpeas and couscous in an even layer on top of the vegetables, drizzle with the remaining tablespoon oil and sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Pour the boiling stock over the top of the couscous and vegetables and cover with aluminum foil. Let sit until the couscous is cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the foil and fluff the couscous with a fork. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes, drizzle lemon juice over the top and garnish with the mint leaves.
• To reheat the couscous before serving, cover with foil and place in a 350 degree F oven for 10 minutes.

Steps:

• Combine the couscous and 3 cups boiling water in a heatproof bowl. Cover and let stand until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in the margarine, turmeric and salt. Cover and set aside.
• For the vegetable stew, heat the oil in a large saucepan or soup pot. Add the onions and sauté over medium heat until translucent. Stir in cabbage and sauté until both it and the onion are lightly golden.
• Add the remaining stew ingredients. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add water as needed to produce a moist, but not soupy, consistency. The vegetables should be just tender, but still firm.
• To serve, arrange the couscous on the outer edge of a large serving platter and make a well in the center. Pour the vegetable mixture in the center, then sprinkle with the garnishes, topping with sliced or slivered toasted almonds. Let each guest place a mound of couscous on his or her dinner plate and top it with the vegetable mixture.

Steps:

• Heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add peppers, garlic and onion and saute until onions are translucent.
• Add spices and stir well to coat.
• Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups couscous, then the vegetable stock.
• Keep on heat, stirring until all liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat, add in butter, mixing until melted.
• Fluff with fork and serve.