Recipe

Jewelled couscous salad

Jeweled couscous is a special dish, traditionally served to mark big occasions, in parts of the Mediterranean.

Jan 12, 2021 1:00pm
  • 15 mins cooking
  • Serves 4
    • Print
    Print

Ingredients

Jewelled couscous salad
  • 180 gram (5½ ounces) persian fetta in oil
  • 1 1/2 cup (300g) couscous
  • 1 1/2 cup (375ml) boiling water
  • 1/2 cup (70g) shelled pistachios
  • 1/2 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, loosely packed, chopped coarsely
  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, loosely packed, chopped coarsely
  • 3 green onions (scallions), sliced thinly
  • 1/3 cup (50g) raisins
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sumac
  • 1/3 cup (70g) pomegranate seeds

Method

Jewelled couscous salad
  • 1
    Drain oil from fetta into a jug or bowl, you will need ¼ cup of the oil for this recipe.
  • 2
    Combine couscous with the boiling water and 1 tablespoon of the fetta oil in a large heatproof bowl, cover, stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, fluffing occasionally with a fork.
  • 3
    Meanwhile, place nuts in a small frying pan, stir over medium heat until toasted lightly. Transfer nuts to a chopping board, cool slightly; chop coarsely. Stir nuts, herbs, onion and raisins into couscous, season to taste.
  • 4
    Whisk remaining fetta oil in a jug or small bowl with juice and sumac, season to taste.
  • 5
    Add dressing and pomegranate seeds to salad, toss gently to combine.
  • 6
    Transfer salad to a platter, top with crumbled fetta. Sprinkle with a little extra sumac.

Notes

Fresh pomegranate seeds can sometimes be found in packs in the fridge section of supermarkets or good green grocers. If unavailable, break a medium pomegranate in half, then turn one half upside down over a bowl. Hit the shell with a wooden spoon ­ the seeds usually fall out easily. If they don't, dig them out with a spoon. Repeat with the other half. This recipe can be made several hours ahead; add dressing close to serving.

The Latest from Australian Women's Weekly Food

More From Women's Weekly Food