Couscous is a traditional staple food served in areas of West Africa, Europe and Asia usually with meat or vegetable stew. Couscous granules are made of coarse ground semolina wheat rolled into small balls and then coated with finely ground wheat flour. They are about 1/4 the size of a piece of rice. Couscous is high in protein and fiber without the meat and the animal fat.
The health benefits asparagus are HUGE. Asparagus is rich in vitamin K, fiber, Vitamin A, and Folate, and Glutathione . The nutritional content of these nutrients has multiple effects. It detoxifies the body and reduces bloating. It prevents osteoporosis, has anticancer properties and is shown to regulate embryonic and fetal nerve cell formation. To top it all off it has antioxidant properties which help keep you looking young.
Here is a recipe that contains both couscous and asparagus. It is High in protein, fiber and antioxidants. It is delicious!
1 bunch asparagus cut in 1 in pieces
1 1/3 cup couscous
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 juice of lemon
3 Tbs EVOL (extra virgin olive oil)
1 cup frozen peas thawed and rinsed
1/2 red bell pepper cut into small pieces
3 scallions chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)
1/4 cup fresh dill chopped fine
2 Tbs fresh mint chopped fine
Lemon slices and fresh mint for garnish.
Bring broth to boil. Blanch asparagus for1 minutes until it turns bright green. Add frozen peas. Continue to boil 1 min. Strain asparagus and peas leaving broth in a large bowl. Rinse asparagus and peas under cold water to stop them from cooking and pat them dry.
Add couscous to bowl of broth. Stir in salt and pepper and cover. Set aside until cool about 15 minutes.
Add lemon juice, olive oil and toss couscous.
Add asparagus, peas, bell pepper, scallions, pine nuts, dill and mint. Toss until well mixed. Add salt to taste if needed. Garnish with lemon slices and mint.
Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold as a salad.
