Adapted from Whole Foods' recipes, www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes

This couscous dish combines dried fruits and nuts with an earthy blend of Moroccan spices. It makes a delicious accompaniment to seasoned meats, fish, vegetables or a Moroccan tagine. Serve freshly steamed or warmed up the next day.

Serves 8

Ingredients

2 cups water

5 dried black mission figs, diced

5 diced NOW Real Food® Unsweetened Dried Apricots*

1 1/2 cups NOW Real Food® Organic Whole Wheat Couscous*

1/4 cup golden raisins

1 teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons NOW Real Food® Extra Virgin Olive Oil*

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup red pepper, diced

1/2 cup yellow pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/3 cup chopped NOW Real Food® Pistachio Nuts*

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

Juice from 2 lemons

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup NOW Real Food® Extra Virgin Olive Oil*

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon honey

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1. Place 2 cups of water in pot along with figs, apricots and raisins and heat to a boil.
2. While water is coming to a boil, place couscous in a bowl with turmeric, olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Mix couscous until it is well coated with olive oil.
4. After water comes to a boil, remove dried fruits and set aside.
5. Add water to the couscous and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and allow to steam for 15 minutes.
6. While couscous is steaming, prepare dressing by combining lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, honey, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
7. When couscous is done, flake with a fork until all grains are fluffed and separated.
8. Add dried fruits, red and yellow peppers, onion, nuts and cilantro.
9. Pour in dressing.
10. Gently mix together with a large serving spoon until all ingredients and dressing are well combined.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning to taste.

Per Serving (137 g-wt.):
410 calories (180 from fat)
20 g total fat
3 g saturated fat
7 g protein
51g total carbohydrate (4 g dietary fiber, 17 g sugar)
0 mg cholesterol
300 mg sodium

*NOW items available at your local health food store