Every time we have a team lunch in work, I make a version of this couscous. It seems to go down really well, so I present it to you today!
If you’re cooking for a crowd, having a wee BBQ or – for our American friends – if you’re going to a “Pot Luck” then you can’t go wrong with this dish, especially if there are vegetarians in your midst.
It all comes down to four simple steps:
1) roasting some veg (any veg!)
2) adding some stock to plain couscous
3) mixing the whole lot together
4) adding herbs and maybe a sprinkle of feta cheese if you’re that way inclined.
On this particular occasion, I decided to roast some mixed peppers and cherry tomatoes, but it’s equally nice with aubergine & courgette.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10 as part of a buffet, or 4 as a main course):
- 300g plain couscous
- 600ml veg stock
- 3 x mixed peppers, sliced
- 300g pack of cherry tomatoes, halved
- Handful of chopped chives
- Handful of chopped parsley
- 6 x spring onions, chopped
- Feta Cheese for crumbling over (optional)
- 1 x tsp ground mixed spice
- 1 x tsp paprika
First I drizzled a little oil, mixed spice and paprika over the veg then roasted in the oven for around 20-25 mins at 180 degrees.
While that was roasting away, I poured my veg stock into a Tupperware tub filled with the dry couscous, seasoned well with salt and pepper, then clipped the lid shut (I think this helps keep it nice and moist). It only takes 5 minutes for the couscous to absorb the stock, so I set it aside.
I brought the bubbling, juicy veg out of the oven and bunged the lot into the tub of couscous. I then added my chopped herbs and spring onions, seasoning to taste.
I served up the feta cheese on a separate plate in case anyone in my team didn’t fancy it, but that’s as far as I went for any extra effort: it’s THAT easy!
Our team spreads are always pretty spectacular, and this one included chicken legs marinated in yoghurt and spices, and Bombay spiced veg (both made by the lovely Donna). I also took in some homemade potato salad, which I’ll share with you next time.
Do you have a favourite crowd-pleasing dish? Do share!
Enjoy 🙂 x