Golden Couscous

coucoussaladI think couscous is one of my favorite side dishes. I love all of it's possibilities, especially the flavors it can take on when mixed with the right ingredients.

This truly is a "golden" couscous, not just because golden raisins are part of its ingredients list, but turmeric is used to give this dish its golden color. If you are not familiar with turmeric, it is a powder used extensively in South Asian cuisine.

Grilling the green onions in this recipe also imparts a smoky flavor. This dish went nicely with our grilled chicken and salad for dinner. I think you will enjoy it!

Golden Couscous
Recipe inspired by Rachael Ray Mag | Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 cup Pearl couscous
1 Tablespoon Butter
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1 (15 ounce) can Chickpeas, rinsed
1 cup Golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
2 bunches Scallions
1/2 Tablespoon Olive oil
1-1/2 Tablespoons Apple cider vinegar

Directions:

In saucepan, boil 1-1/4 cups water, butter and salt. Add couscous, chickpeas, raisins and turmeric. Stir together, cover and cook on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for another ten minutes.

Meanwhile, heat grill pan and brush scallions with olive oil. Grill until slightly charred on all sides. Chop and add to couscous.

Cathy is currently in the development stages of her vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.  She is a food writer for Davis Life Magazine and blogs daily about wine, food and everyday living.  She currently resides in Oregon with her husband and two sons.  You can visit her at noblepig.com.