When fruit season arrives and we crave light dishes, couscous becomes the undisputed star of the kitchen. This grain of Arabic origin is a A fantastic alternative to ricebecause it provides a light texture and incredible versatility, allowing us to play with sweet and savory ingredients in the same dish.
Whether you're looking for something quick to pack in your lunchbox for work or a more elaborate main course, mixing couscous with apricots or dried apricots is a sure winner. This combination is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to take advantage of seasonal products and add an exotic touch to our daily diet.
Refreshing couscous and dried apricot salad
For those looking for a healthy and quick option, a wholegrain couscous salad It's the ideal solution. To prepare a serving for four people, we'll need about 150g of wholemeal couscous, 340g of boiling water, a drizzle of olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. As for the fresh ingredients, we'll use one tomato, two fresh apricots, 30g of dried apricots and a spring onion.
The process is very simple: we soak the grain for ten minutes in hot water. Meanwhile, we chop the vegetables and fruit. The secret to giving it that special touch is in adding fresh herbs such as mint, basil, or parsleyand finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, which in addition to adding flavor, provide essential minerals.
Gourmet version: Steamed couscous with feta and hazelnuts
If we want to take it to the next level, we can prepare a more complex version that combines textures. This variant includes 200g of couscous, 600g of water, and a mix of vegetables consisting of zucchini, red pepper, carrot and peasFor a sweet and crunchy touch, we add 150g of hazelnuts and 150g of chopped dried apricots.
The technique here is more elaborate. First, the onion and garlic are sautéed, then the grain is added with concentrated vegetable stock and left to absorb the liquid. The most interesting part is that the whole thing finishes cooking in steam along with the vegetables. Finally, it's mixed with diced feta cheeseachieving a spectacular contrast between the saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the apricot.
This dish is extremely flexible. If someone at home can't stand cheese, it can easily be omitted. For those who want more protein, a good idea is... replace half of the couscous with Quinoaor add pomegranate seeds to give it a brighter color and a tangy flavor.
Traditional couscous with vegetables and raisins
Another way to enjoy this grain is in the more traditional way, using a rich broth and aromatic spices. We'll use 250g of couscous and 250ml of broth (either chicken or vegetable), along with a sauté of pumpkin, zucchini and yellow pepper, all chopped into very small cubes.
The flavor is intensified thanks to the use of spices such as curry, cinnamon, ginger and cuminIt's essential to add the raisins just before the end of the sautéing process so they release their sweetness. To keep the grains loose and prevent them from sticking together, it's recommended to add a tablespoon of vegetable margarine or olive oil right after soaking them.
To accompany this delicacy, a craft beer in the American Pale Ale style, with citrus and pineapple notes, is the perfect choice. perfect pairing to balance the spiced flavors and the density of the dish.
Interesting facts: From Mallorcan cuisine to couscous
Although we're focusing on couscous, apricots are the star of many Mediterranean dishes, such as the famous Mallorcan apricot coca. This traditional tart uses a dough made with strong flour, all-purpose flour, lard and boiled potatocreating a dense and delicious base where the apricots macerated in sugar provide the acidic touch.
In both couscous and island pastries, the apricot demonstrates its adaptability. While in couscous we seek a balance with saltiness, in coca we seek a sweet and comforting experience, proving that this fruit is the undisputed queen of the summer season.
Having various ways to cook couscous on hand, from quick sesame salads to steamed dishes with feta cheese or spiced versions with raisins, allows you to vary your weekly menu with healthy ingredients and international flavors that everyone always likes.
