This is not a casserole, but tastes best when serves just barely warm, a
Mediterranean tradition. I sometimes make it in the morning, and just leave
it on the stove, covered, until dinner time, when it is just the right
temperature.
Morrocan Couscous. (Serves 6)
In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, cook, stirring occasionally
until softened (about 6 minutes):
1 1/2 T red wine
1 large onion, thinly sliced
Stir in and cook 1 minute:
1/2 t ground cumin
1/2 t ground cinnamon
1/2 t turmeric
1/8 t cayenne pepper
Stir in and bring to a boil:
3 large carrots, scraped or peeled and cut on diagonal into 1/2 inch slices
2 medium turnips, peeled, quartered, and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices
2 medium parsnips, peeled, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4 inch pieces
1 c orange juice
Pinch of grated orange rind?
3 c water (OR 4 c vegetable stock to replace water, orange juice, and rind)
Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are almost
tender-40-45 minutes. Add and simmer until squash is barely tender-about 12
minutes:
2 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/3 inch pieces
1 small yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 c cooked chickpeas
Add to taste:
Freshly ground black pepper
In a medium saucepan bring to a boil:
Pinch of grated orange rind?
1 c orange juice
2 c water ( OR 3 c vegetable stock to replace water, orange juice and rind))
2 c couscous
Cover pan, remove from heat, let stand 5 min. To serve, fluff couscous with
a fork, spoon onto individual plates or shallow bowls, top with vegetable
mixture, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley.
Adapted from: Modern Maturity, Feb-Mar. 1994 p.59-60.
Nutrients per serving (original recipe): calories, 289, protein 13 g,
carbohydrates 45 g, total fat 9 g (saturated fat g), dietary fiber 9 g,
cholesterol 1 mg, sodium 592 mg. (Original recipe ncluded 2 1/2 T olive
oil, 7 c sodium-reduced chicken broth, fat removed)
My version reduces the fat to about 3 g, and also reduces the sodium,
probably to < 100 mg,, and the calories, to about 250.
V. H. Jergens
vhj@xxxxxxx