Couscous With Honeyed Almonds And Lemon Recipes

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Gradually add the couscous. Return to a boil and let cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand for 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a saute pan, heat the olive oil. Add cubed squash. Season with salt and pepper. Saute, stirring often, for about 4 minutes, or until caramelized and crispy. Add the fresh lemon thyme and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, heat the honey and vinegar until just warm. Whisk in olive oil and season with salt and twist of pepper. Remove from the heat, and add the raisins. Fluff the couscous with a fork.
• Place the arugula in a serving bowl. Toss with the warm squash, couscous, cucumber and 2 tablespoons of the toasted almonds. Add enough dressing to coat the salad. Season with salt and pepper, and top with the remaining 1 tablespoon of almonds.

Steps:

• Toast almonds in a skillet over medium heat until the nuts just began to brown. Stir in the honey making sure to coat the nuts. Spread the mixture on tin foil to cool; when the almonds have cooled completely break into small pieces.
• Bring water to a boil in a 2 quart or larger sauce pan and stir in the couscous. Cover the pot and and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in the almonds, lemon zest, and salt.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add couscous and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, in a small dry skillet, toast cumin seeds until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Lightly crush them using a mortar and a pestle (or use the flat side of a heavy knife and a cutting board). Add to a bowl with the warm couscous, vinegar, salt and pepper and toss well. When the couscous is cool, add remaining ingredients and mix well. Taste and add more salt, lemon juice or oil if needed. Garnish with pistachio nuts if desired.