Spicy Couscous with Dates

Couscous cooked in vegetable stock is blended with chopped vegetables and hot spices.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 594 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 whole star anise pods
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup uncooked couscous
• 1 ½ cups vegetable stock
• 4 large fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 2 dried hot red peppers, diced
• ¼ cup chopped dates

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, and saute onion until tender. Season with anise pods and salt. Mix in garlic, red bell pepper, dried hot red peppers, and black pepper. Continue to cook and stir until vegetables are tender.

Step 2

Stir mushrooms and lemon juice into the vegetable mixture. Mix in dates and cinnamon, and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Place couscous in a medium saucepan, and cover with vegetable stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until all moisture has been absorbed.

Step 4

Fluff couscous with a fork, mix into the vegetables, and serve.