I never wanted to cook couscous. Out of stubbornness, probably. Or misconception. Or both. I believed this grain can't make a decent meal. I was wrong...it can make a great meal!!!

As in everything I (or you) cook, it's all about the flavours we combine. And textures. And the way we manage to make our or others' tastebuds cry. If you throw a plate with soaked couscous, salt, pepper and olive oil...big failure chances. But if you throw some green veggies, herbs, a great garlic sauce...it's another story. I will share with you my experiment from today's lunch. Try it and let me know how it went :) 

If you don't have the veggies my recipe needs, no worries at all, just use what you have at home. Same with the herbs. 

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 150 gr. couscous 
• 300 ml. boiling water + 1/2 tsp salt 
• 100 gr. peas
• 200 gr. green beans
• 200 gr. broccoli 
• 100 gr. Cherry tomatoes 
• 30 gr. raw pumpkin seeds
• 20 gr. of mix herbs, fresh or dry, whatever you have at home (mint, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley)
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp. salt flakes
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 3 tbsp cold pressed sunflower oil/olive oil
• 2 tbsp vinegar

Method:

1. Place the couscous in a bowl and add the boiling water and salt. Leave for 7-10 min to soak and after mix with a fork.
2. Put the raw pumpkin seeds in a frying pan with a pinch of salt flakes and roast over high heat, stirring constantly, for 2-3 min, until crunchy. 
3. Boil or steam al dente the peas, green peas and broccoli (or any other vegetables you might have at home).
4. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
5. Crush the garlic cloves in a bowl. Add the salt flakes, pepper, oil and vinegar. Stir until combined.
6. Chopp the herbs if they are fresh and add them to the garlic sauce or, if they are dry, add them directly to the garlic mix. 
7. In a large bowl place the couscous, green veggies, tomatoes, garlic and herbs sauce. Combine well. Season with more salt and pepper if needed. 
8. Sprinkle the roasted pumpkin seeds on top.

Enjoy!