Lentils Couscous Recipes

MOROCCAN LENTILS AND COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Place the lentils in a medium saucepan.
• Add garlic, spices, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time.
• While lentils are cooking, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
• Remove from heat, stir in couscous, cover, and set aside for 15 minutes.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is nicely browned, about 10 minutes.
• Add lentils to skillet and mix well.
• Remove and discard bay leaf. Serve lentils over couscous.

MEDITERRANEAN COUSCOUS AND LENTIL SALAD

Steps:

• In a small saucepan simmer lentils in water to cover by 2 inches until tender but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes, and drain well. Transfer hot lentils to a bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Cool lentils completely, stirring occasionally.
• In a saucepan bring water to a boil and add couscous and salt. Remove pan from heat and let couscous stand, covered, 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon oil and cool completely, stirring occasionally.
• In a small bowl whisk together garlic paste, remaining 2 tablespoons vinegar, remaining 3 tablespoons oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir lentils and dressing into couscous. Chill salad, covered, at least 3 hours and up to 24.
• Just before serving, stir in remaining ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

LENTILS COUSCOUS RECIPE

Steps:

• Saute onions with olive oil (stirring occasionally) until golden brown. Reserve 4 tablespoons of browned onions for garnish.
• Meanwhile place lentils, water (or broth) salt,and black Pepper in a different saucepan and cook for around 20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
• Add Couscous, browned onions, cumin, and dash of cayenne to the lentils, stir, cover and simmer for about 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed.
• Place Lentils and Couscous in serving dish and garnish with 4 tablespoons of reserved browned onions.
• This recipe is best when served with Tomatoe Salad. See my recipe for Tomatoe Salad.

PASTA AND LENTILS (PASTA E LENTICCHIE)

Steps:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 5 cups of water, the lentils, the thyme and bay leaves (if using). Partially cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are al dente, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil over high. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 20 minutes. (It may take longer than the cook time on the package.) If the pot starts to look dry at any point, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time.
• Turn off the heat, discard the thyme and bay leaves, then stir in the Parmesan. Cover and let sit for 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Eat with more Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.