#GreenMondaySA: Lemony couscous with chickpeas

©Meredith Lee/The HSUS

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 350g of uncooked couscous
• ½ teaspoon salt to taste
• 575ml boiling water
• Two lemons
• 60ml of olive oil
• One x 400g can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• One cup of chopped black olives

One or more of:

• Two tablespoons of minced fresh dill
• ½ cup (half a small bunch) of finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup (half a bunch) of finely chopped scallions (spring onions)
• ½ cup (half a small bunch) of minced fresh mint

Garnish: ½ cup chopped toasted almonds

Method

1. Put the couscous and salt into a bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover and set aside for about 10 minutes, until the water is absorbed.

2. Grate the lemon peels and juice the lemons.

3. Stir together the lemon zest, ¼ cup of juice, and the olive oil.

4. Fluff the couscous with a fork, separating any lumps. Add the chickpeas, olives, the lemon-and-oil mixture, and the herbs and toss well. Add more salt to taste if needed.

5. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

6. Top with the toasted almonds just before serving.

This recipe has been slightly adapted from Moosewood Restaurant's Simple Suppers cookbook.

More Green Monday Recipes.