COUSCOUS WITH CHICKPEAS, SPINACH AND MINT

COUSCOUS WITH CHICKPEAS, SPINACH AND MINT image

Yield 6-8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
Salt, preferably kosher, to taste
2 to 4 large garlic cloves (to taste), minced
2 teaspoons coriander seeds, lightly toasted and ground
3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, lightly toasted and ground
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne (more to taste)
2 cups chickpeas, soaked in 2 quarts water for 6 hours or overnight and drained
A bouquet garni consisting of 8 sprigs each parsley and cilantro
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon harissa (more to taste), plus additional for serving
1 1/2 pounds spinach, stemmed and washed thoroughly, or 2 6-ounce bags baby spinach
2 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (to taste)
2 to 2 2/3 cups couscous (1/3 cup per serving)

Steps:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes, and stir in a generous pinch of salt, the garlic and the spices. Stir together for about half a minute, until the garlic is fragrant, and add the drained chickpeas, 2 quarts water and the bouquet garni. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 1 hour. Add the tomato paste, the harissa and salt to taste. Bring back to a simmer and simmer 45 mins to an hour, until the chickpeas are tender. Remove 1 cup of the broth to flavor the couscous. 2. Reconstituting and steaming the couscous: In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the couscous and salt to taste. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the couscous and add the cup of broth you removed from the stew. Stir well, or moisten your fingers and rub the couscous with them to evenly distribute the oil and broth. Add enough water to cover by 1/2 in and let sit for 20 mins, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Stir every 5 mins or rub the couscous between your moistened thumbs and fingers, so that it doesn't lump. The couscous will now be fairly soft; fluff it with a fork or with your hands. The traditional way to finish reconstituting the couscous is to place it above the simmering stew for 45 minutes. I find, however, that steaming it in a microwave results in perfectly fluffy couscous. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic and pierce the plastic with the tip of a paring knife. Heat at 100 percent power for 3 minutes. Remove from the microwave carefully and allow to sit for 1 minute. Carefully remove the plastic and fluff with fork or a spoon. Cover again with plastic and microwave for 2 to 3 more mins. Be very careful when you remove the plastic as the couscous will be steamy. 3. Shortly before sserving, stir in the spinach and the mint. Simmer 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.