ROASTED WINTER VEGETABLES WITH SAFFRON COUSCOUS

ROASTED WINTER VEGETABLES WITH SAFFRON COUSCOUS image

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

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1/2 pound sunchokes, scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 small carrots, cut crosswise into 2-inch lengths
3 small parsnips, cut into 1/2 -inch pieces
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 -inch pieces
4 shallots, halved lengthwise
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Kosher salt
2 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup dried currants
1 bay leaf
1 cup couscous
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon saffron threads
Chopped cilantro and pistachios, for garnish

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400Â°. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the sunchokes, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, shallots, olive oil, lemon zest, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and crushed red pepper. Season generously with salt. Roast the vegetables for about 30 minutes, until tender and browned in spots. Stir 1 cup of the water into the vegetables and scatter the currants and bay leaf on top. Roast for about 10 more minutes, until the currants are plump and the vegetables are saucy. Discard the bay leaf. Meanwhile, put the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the remaining 1 1/4 cups of water to a boil with the butter. Remove from the heat, add the saffron and a generous pinch of salt and let stand for 5 minutes. Bring the water back to a boil and pour it over the couscous. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and season with salt. Transfer the couscous to plates and spoon the roasted vegetables and their juices on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro and pistachios and serve.