This is a great side dish or with a little added protein (e.g leftover chopped chicken, beef, pork) it can be a whole meal in one dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Whole wheat Couscous, dry
  • 1 cup cooked or canned Black beans (rinse and drain)
  • 1/2 medium, raw Red Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 1 large celery stalk, chopped
  • 1/4 cucumber, unpeeled, chopped
  • 1/8 red onion, finely minced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
    Dressing:
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt
  • pinch ground cardamom
  • pinch ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Directions: Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add couscous, stir, cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes; fluff with fork and place in bowl and set aside to cool. Grate carrot, mince onion and chop the rest of the vegetables. Add the couscous and black beans. Mix dressing ingredients together and pour over couscous, black bean and vegetable mixture; mix well. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Makes approximately 6 cups, 1 cupĀ  provides 100 calories, 4 gm protein, 17 gm carbohydrate, 4 grams dietary fiber, 50 mg sodium (sodium is a little higher if canned black beans are used), 1.9 gm fat

For a complete meal, add 2-3 ounces cooked chicken, beef, pork or fish per person and serve over a bed of lettuce. (Adds ~100 to 150 calories and 14 to 21 gm protein)