Recipe: Healthy couscous two-ways

This couscous recipe isn’t the greatest for kids (at least, based on my five-year-old…the baby likes it so maybe less picky eaters will go for it) BUT it’s a great lunchtime option for working parents or a good quick cheap-and-cheerful meal.

One of the best parts is it can totally be customised for your own tastes. Here’s couscous two ways.

Couscous 1: mint and apricot

This version is a favourite of mine for the office. As it can largely be prepped at home and then it’s easy to steam the courgette and make the couscous in any office with a microwave and kettle (which, frankly, is just about every office).

Ingredients:

• 36g uncooked couscous per person
• 1 small courgette, diced
• Handful of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 5 dried apricots, finely chopped
• 25g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp flaxseed oil

Step 1: boil 50ml water and poor over the couscous. Allow to sit for five minutes, then fork it over to separate the grains.

Step 2: put your courgette in a microwave safe bowl with about a tap of cold water and cover with a plate or another bowl. Steam in the microwave for about 3 minutes.

Step 3: assembly time! Add your courgette (can include any water from the bowl as well) to your couscous, then stir in your dried apricots, mint leaves, and crumbled feta. Drizzle your flaxseed oil and toss it all together.

Couscous 2: curry and tomatoes

I’ve made this one more at home, given it calls for softening onions on the hob, but it’s a nice easy lunch and can be easily scaled up for more people.

Ingredients:

• 36g uncooked couscous per person
• 1/2 a shallot, diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp  garam masala or your favourite curry powder
• 1 large tomato, or a good handful of cherry tomatoes
• 1 small courgette
• 25g crumbled feta

Method:

Step 1: boil 50ml water and poor over the couscous. Allow to sit for five minutes, then fork it over to separate the grains.

Step 2: Meanwhile heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the shallot. Allow to soften (5-10 minutes), then add the spices. Stir frequently for about a minute before adding the tomato.

Step 3: put your courgette in a microwave safe bowl with about a tap of cold water and cover with a plate or another bowl. Steam in the microwave for about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add your courgette (can include any water from the bowl as well) to your couscous, then stir in your curried onion and tomato mixture. Sprinkle over the crumbled feta. Toss it all together.