Baked Couscous With Tomato And Pesto Recipes

MOROCCAN TOMATO COUSCOUS RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat a splash of sunflower or vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot.
• Once the oil is hot pour one can of blended or well-chopped tomatoes into the pot.
• Add salt to taste, pepper to taste, 1/2 tbsp of 35 spices (optional Moroccan spice), 1/8 tsp of oregano, 1/8 tsp of marjoram, and 1-2 tbsp of tomato puree.
• Add 2-3 cups of water or chicken/vegetable stock to the pot. Stir the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Then bring the mixture to a boil.
• Next, add 350 g of couscous to the pot.
• Stir the couscous. Leave to cook on low to medium heat for 7-10 minutes or until soft. Turn the couscous from time to time and add more water if necessary. Option to add 1/4 of thinly sliced onions.
• Once the couscous has softened add 1/2 to 1 tbsp of butter and use a fork to stir lightly. This will add moisture to the couscous.
• Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley!

TOMATOES ROASTED WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Core the tomatoes and then slice them across (not through the stem) in 1/2 inch-thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a sheet pan. Drizzle the tomatoes with the olive oil and sprinkle with the oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper.
• Bake the tomatoes for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven, spread each slice with Pesto, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Return the tomatoes to the oven and continue baking for 7 to 10 minutes, until the Parmesan is melted and begins to brown. Using a flat metal spatula, put the tomatoes on a serving platter, sprinkle with extra salt, and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
• Place the walnuts, pine nuts, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process for 30 seconds. Add the basil, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use immediately or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.

BAKED COUSCOUS WITH TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Heat the oil in a saute pan.
• Saute the onions in oil about 5 minutes, until they are soft and golden.
• In a bowl, combine the onions and the remaining ingredients.
• Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole.
• Bake for 20 minutes.

PESTO & TOMATO PASTA WITH CRISPY CRUMBS

Steps:

• Gently cook the onion and half the garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil for 10 mins until soft. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar and simmer for 15-20 mins until saucy. Stir in half the pesto, some seasoning and a few capers or olives, if you have them. Cover and keep warm.
• While the sauce is simmering, heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Toss the crumbs in a large baking tray with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, the rest of the garlic, the pine nuts and Parmesan, if Simple yet special storecupboard supper using. Bake for 10 mins, stirring a few times, until golden. Dot over the butter and return to the oven for 2 mins more.
• Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta. Drain, reserving a little cooking water. Stir through the sauce with a splash of cooking water to loosen, if you need to, ripple through the remaining pesto and serve scattered with golden crumbs.