Lemony Mint Couscous with Chickpea and Edamame

Side dishes are kind of an after thought around here...I tend to focus more on the main dish and then throw some greens on the side because Im just hungry and want to put food in my mouth asap! However, today I thought I would dedicate a bit more thought on a side dish that is extremely simple to put together and can easily be adapted. I used canned chickpeas, shelled edamame, (don't you love those crunchy little green gems?) mint and lemon juice. How easy is that? I actually liked this couscous better cold, right out of the fridge. Mmm, boy was it good. The mint and tiny lemony couscous balls are so light and fluffy they dance on your tongue. This one is definitely being added to the rotation. What's your go-to side dish?

Lemony Mint Couscous with Chickpea and Edamame

1 box of instant couscous prepared according to package directions, I used Near East brand

1/2 can chickpeas

2 lemon

Edamame, shelled

Couple leaves of mint

salt 'n' peppa

1 Prepare couscous according to package directions. Pour into large bowl.

2 In a separate bowl, combine juice of one lemon with the chickpeas and mix together.

Season with salt and pepper.

3 Mix the lemony chickpeas with couscous, then add the edamame.

4 Slice some mint leaves up and throw into couscous mixture and combine.

5 Juice second lemon on top of the whole salad and combine throughout.

Thrifty note:

I bought a set of these rich brown lacquer bowls yesterday seen in the picture above.

I love the cascading pattern on the edges of the bowls. What I also liked was that every

bowl was different and had a unique mark by the artist. This way, I know that it was not

manufactured, but rather handmade.

Here is a somewhat better shot of the colored edge of the bowls.

Also, a big shout out to peachkins for

giving me such a sweet award!

Thank you, peachkins!

Go and check out her lovely blog!

Oh, and don't forget to submit for BSI: Feta.

Deadline is Sunday, July 12.