What's easier than rice? Couscous!

Planning meals usually consists of 3 categories:

Protein, Veggie, and Starch.

The Starch category has been quite boring -it usually consists of rice, potato, or pasta - rolls don't count in my book.

And then there was COUSCOUS!

What is couscous? Technically it is a pasta but certainly nothing close to traditional pasta. Its made from semolina wheat. It also has about 5 grams of protein per half cup of cooked couscous.

So, even though it is a starch it still has some protein to balance the carbs as well.

My Favorite thing about couscous - ITS EASY!!!!!!

Basic recipe: 1 cup boiling water, add 1 cup couscous, stir quickly, bring back to boil (which takes only seconds) Then cover and set aside 5 minutes. fluff with fork......and DONE! HA!

Ummm, Rice? see yourself out.....well, for a while...

Favorite Couscous Recipe (so far):

Tomato Basil Couscous

You may want to make a double recipe if for more than 3 adults or simply because its delicious!

Ingredients1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling water
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 small cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
5 green onions, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes or 5 Roma tomato's de-seeded and diced
1 cup fresh basil leaves hand torn or 1 tsp dried basil
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 dash balsamic vinegar (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Stir couscous into boiling water and return water to a boil.

Cover and remove pot from heat.

Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the couscous is set aside to "stand", heat oil in a large skillet (a wok is great for this)) over medium heat (don't burn your garlic).

Stir in garlic, green onions and peppers; saute until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

Stir in tomatoes, basil, cooked couscous, salt and pepper.

Mix together and transfer to a 1 1/2 quart greased casserole dish.

Splash some balsamic vinegar on top (optional).
Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 20 minutes (don't over bake).

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still warm.

ENJOY!