ISRAELI COUSCOUS AND CHICKPEA SALAD

Israeli Couscous and Chickpea Salad image

You can find a whole-wheat version of the spherical couscous marketed as Israeli couscous in some whole foods and Middle Eastern markets.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 3 to 4 generous servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

1 cup Israeli couscous, preferably whole-wheat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 ounce feta, diced
2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 red pepper, cut in thin 2-inch slices
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
Salt to taste
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (or use half olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or mild chili powder (more to taste)

Steps:

Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan and add the couscous. Stir until the couscous begins to color and smell toasty, 4 to 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, or until the couscous is tender. Drain if any liquid remains in the pan.
Transfer the couscous to a bowl and add the cilantro, chives, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas and red pepper.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the lemon juice, salt, cumin, remaining olive oil, yogurt and Aleppo pepper or chili powder. Toss with the couscous mixture. Refrigerate in a bowl or in containers until ready to take to work or eat.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 437, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 486 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams