Thursday, June 14, 2012

Herbed Couscous Salad with a Hint of Anchovy



A garden full of fresh mint, parsley and basil...a cup of pearl couscous left in the cupboard and the remainder of a jar of anchovies inspired this little salad.  Even if you're not an anchovy lover, this will not send you over the deep end,  The anchovy is so subtle you may not even realize it's there.  But I think it serves a salty purpose!

Serves 2 to 3

1  1/4 cups water
1 cup pearl couscous
4 anchovy filets, divided
2 Tbl fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 Tbl finely diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
10 grape tomatoes, halved
Salt and pepper to taste

In a small sauce pan, bring the water to a boil and add the pearl couscous.  Cover and reduce to a simmer.  Simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Place the cooked couscous in a mixing bowl to cool.
While the couscous is cooling make the vinaigrette.  Mash 2 of the anchovy filets in a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice.  Slowly whisk in the oil.
Stir the vinaigrette into the cooled couscous, followed by the onion, mint, parsley and basil.  Finely mince the remaining two anchovy filets and stir them in with the grape tomatoes.  refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.  Once chilled, season with a little salt and pepper if desired.

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