Thursday, July 9

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.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh,lemon and mint with couscous? Sounds absolutely lovely, and perfect for summer! YUM!
Oh, and here's my BSI submission: http://burpandslurp.wordpress.com/2009/07/09/twinkle-twinkle-little-star/
Thanks for choosing feta! It's one of my fav cheeses!

Winchester Manor said...

Hi Zoe,

I have never had couscous...this sounds delicious, guess I've been missing out! I will have to give it a try!!

Hugs,
Karyn
Karyn

theUngourmet said...

Sounds and looks simply wonderful!

How do you think it would be with basil in place of the mint? I have a ton of basil in my garden.

Lori said...

oh, that sounds SO good!!!

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

That couscous looks good! I love your pretty bowl!

Cheers,

Rosa

♥peachkins♥ said...

I love chickpeas although couscous is not a regular in our home.Will be trying this out.

Unknown said...

This looks so nice and summery :)

Donna-FFW said...

I adore chickpeas, what a fantastic way to use them. Sounds-- and looks-- fantastic!

Zoe said...

The Ungourmet- I think basil will be fine. I was also deciding whether to use mint or basil.

grace said...

what a totally awesome side dish! i adore both chickpeas (which i almost always have in hummus-form) and edamame, and a little citrusy couscous is always welcome. good stuff!

Olga said...

That looks like it could be a meal on its own! Great idea of combining edamame and chickpeas.

unconfidentialcook said...

THis is the perfect couscous for sure! I know the lemon and mint makes it divine (as it does in taboulli), and those chickpeas are perfect! Love your egg salad, too--thanks!!!

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Couscous is a great go to meal side for me. It's so easy to make and you can include tons of great spices, herbs and other addins. I'm so happy you shared this recipe. I can't wait to try it:)

Heather S-G said...

Oh, I absolutely LOVE the bowls! And couscous or rice is usually my go-to side dish...so many possibilities :) ps...don't think I'm going to catch up in time to enter BSI this week :( ...but I do luv Feta!

Sylvia said...

Sounds great Zoe, I always use rice or salad for my side dish , but I loved the idea

Anonymous said...

What an amazing picture! The flavors sound so fresh and appealing, also.

Lori Lynn said...

I have a dinnerware addiction. Love your bowls.

And the couscous looks great, nice combination of ingredients! I look forward to trying this, especially since those are items I always have on hand.
LL

Marta said...

See, I'm a side-dish lover! Seriously, I often forgo the main altogether and just feast on sides! That's why I love finding new ideas, like this lovely salad, which I know I'll love!
Thanks!

Kerstin said...

I'm the same way with side dishes and often make couscous because it cooks so quickly. I love the edamame and chickpeas in yours - yum!

Cucinista said...

What a great recipe. It is SO me, I might have to make it for lunch tomorrow.

maybelle's mom said...

quinoa or barley with vegetables and mint is our go to. Also, a veggie slaw (usually with fennel.)

Annie said...

I am totally making this!! Love it.

Naomi Rose said...

This looks so great! wantwantwant