Spicy Couscous Salad With Tomatoes, Green Beans and Peppers

By David Tanis

Updated July 4, 2017

  • Karsten Moran for The New York Times
Media 1 of 1
Total Time
45 minutes
Rating
4(137)
Comments
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Pearl couscous, also called Israeli couscous, is a round pellet-shaped pasta, larger than regular couscous. You may substitute Lebanese mograbiah or maftoul, or the large Moroccan couscous called mhammsa. All are available in Middle Eastern food shops. Fregola from Sardinia is also an option.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, more to taste, plus zest of 1 lemon

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne

  • 1 red Fresno chile, finely chopped

  • ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds, toasted and ground

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground

  • Pinch of ground cinnamon

  • ¼ cup olive oil

FOR THE SALAD

  • 1 pound very small new potatoes, halved

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 sweet bell peppers

  • ½ pound Romano beans or green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces

  • 1 pound pearl couscous

  • ½ pound cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Small bunch mint, cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 to 8 servings)

63 grams carbs; 390 calories; 7 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 11 grams fat; 7 grams fiber; 518 milligrams sodium; 11 grams protein; 3 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. FOR THE DRESSING:

    1. Step 1

      In a small bowl, stir together lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, turmeric, cayenne, chile, caraway, cumin and cinnamon. Whisk in olive oil. Set aside.

  2. FOR THE SALAD:

    1. Step 2

      Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put halved potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season well with salt and pepper and roast cut side down until tender, about 15 minutes.

    2. Step 3

      Roast bell peppers whole under broiler, over a gas burner or over hot coals until skins are blackened and blistered, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool. Using a paring knife, split peppers lengthwise and scrape away seeds and charred skin (do not rinse). Cut into ½-inch strips.

    3. Step 4

      Drop beans into salted boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water.

    4. Step 5

      Meanwhile, boil the couscous in abundant salted water until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again. Blot dry.

    5. Step 6

      Put couscous in a shallow salad bowl. Add roasted peppers, cherry tomatoes and beans and season with salt and pepper. Add dressing and toss well to coat. Add potatoes and toss again. Taste and adjust for salt and lemon. Garnish with mint, cilantro or parsley leaves.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
137 user ratings
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Comments

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Anna Stambo

I kept it simple- made the dressing without any toasting or crushing. Blanched the green beans and just chopped up fresh tomatoes and pepper. I used chickpea past rather than couscous and dropped the potatoes. Still delicious and great as a pot luck option!

Kiki

While the end result is delicious, this was a laborious cooking experience, and as a lifelong union member, not how I wanted to celebrate Labor Day. Granted, I started out by harvesting all veg from the garden. However, please be warned: read this recipe carefully (I did not) to ensure you understand all the many various steps and processes: you will slice, squeeze, grate, grind and peel. But wait there's more: you will also boil, roast and toast. Each step will require a different pot, bowl, pan, or appliance, surely intended as an invitation to create a towering sink sculpture! But the most exciting process after patting dry (?!!!) the thrice rinsed, but perhaps overcooked couscous, was scraping that sticky stuff off the towel.

neline

I added tasted cauliflower. Next time would like to try with some chopped dates

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