ISO: Tomato, Basil & Mozz. Couscous Salad - June 2000

[Natasha]

Hi,
After mentioning this to Becky, I started to think about how good this would be for dinner. Unfortunately, I don t have the June issue with me here. I have a fair recollection about how to make it, so I ll muddle through if I have to, but I would prefer to have the real recipe. If anyone could please post this, I d be grateful.

[Shirley Panek]

From June 2000, pg. 124

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad

Part-skim mozzarella cheese can be substituted

2 cups diced tomato
3/4 cup (3 ounces) diced fresh mozzarella cheese
3 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 1/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Basil leaves (optional)

1. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl; cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.
2. Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with fork; cool. Add couscous and fresh basil to tomato mixture; toss gently. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.

Yield 5 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

CAL 186 (29% from fat); FAT 6g; PROTEIN 7.9g; CARB 26.5g; FIBER 2.1g; CHOL 13mg; IRON 1.1mg; SODIUM 308mg; CALC 99mg

[Natasha]

Thanks, Shirley; that was fast. I really appreciate it. You ve saved us from the results of whatever my experiment might have created! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

[CrystalB]

I was just looking at this recipe last night! I would love to try it, any feedback? I have a fussy eater. I would also love any feedback on the Lemony Picnic Couscous Salad. Thank you.

[Kerri]

I tried it but used roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes, because I hate tomatoes and LOVE roasted red peppers. I like it a lot and definately would try it again. However, some feedback I have seen are people who seem to think the couscous is a bit bland, so that is one thing for you to think about. It is a different texture, but I thought it was really interesting.

[Shirley Panek]

You might try eliminating some of the "blandness" of the couscous by using stock (ie; chicken, vegetable ...) instead of plain water.

[Natasha]

Crystal - whether or not the "picky eater" in your life likes it depends, I guess, on the nature of the pickiness. What about this dish do you think he/she may not like? While I love this recipe, I can see that the texture in particular might not appeal to all. But who knows - he/she might love it!

Kerri - that's a neat idea about the peppers! Although I love tomatoes, I think I'll substitute either plain or roasted red peppers for some of the tomatoes next time. Thanks!

About the feedback that it was bland - I can also understand this, but find that it's easy to fix by adding just a bit more garlic, black pepper, and especially basil.

Hope you enjoy it if you try it!