Pearl Couscous with 10 Vegetables

 

Vegetable Saute

Pearl Couscous with 10 Vegetables and Lemon Vinaigrette

Delicious as a main course dish or as a side for your favorite vegetarian. Add extra stock for added brothy-ness!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course, Side Dish, vegetarian
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 shallot minced
  • zest of one lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar of choice
  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces pearl couscous
  • 1 yellow onion cut into slivers
  • 4 carrots cut on the diagonal, ½" thick
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar snap peas cut in half
  • 12 asparagus spears cut into 2" pieces
  • 1 zucchini halved lengthwise, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 yellow squash halved lengthwise, cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 cup cubed butternut squash about 1" pieces
  • 2 large red peppers roasted and diced, or 1 12 ounce jar
  • 1-2 handfuls kale or super greens mix
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • salt and pepper
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 8 ounces Israeli pearl couscous

Equipment

  • 1 large saute pan
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

  1. Make Lemon Vinaigrette and set aside.  Add a drizzle of olive oil to a large, open saute pan.  Warm over medium high heat until oil is shimmering.  Add couscous and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently, about 3-4 minutes. Pour out into a large bowl and set aside.
     In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups of water or stock to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt and toasted couscous and cook until al dente.  Pour into the large bowl with any remaining stock (don’t drain).  Reheat the sauté pan over medium high heat. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil.  Add onion, carrots and sugar snaps.  Cook, tossing occasionally until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Pour these vegetables into the bowl with the couscous and stock. Add another drizzle of olive oil and the asparagus, all squashes and red pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. Remove to bowl; repeat with remaining greens and peas and toss to 2-3 minutes. Add all cooked vegetables, couscous and stock back into saute pan. Pour vinaigrette over vegetables,  tossing to coat well. Can be served warm, room temp or chilled.