Dashboard Couscous

Did you know that couscous doesn't really need to be cooked?  If left at room temperature for a couple of hours, it will absorb any liquid that you place it into, and take on that flavor... no cooking required.

A buddy coined the phrase Dashboard Couscous some time ago and it has stuck.  It is descriptive and whenever I hear it, I know exactly what it means.   You can use broths, juices, or even plain water for the liquid.

My favorite way to use it is in a lunch time salad, along with chopped veggies, beans of some kind, and hard-boiled eggs.  The flavors just seems to go together really well.

Dashboard Couscous
Makes 2 servings

• 1/4 cup whole wheat couscous
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes

1. Put the tomatoes into  a plastic storage container that has a lid.
2. Stir the couscous into the tomatoes.
3. Secure the lid on the container.
4. Set aside for 2 to 3 hours.  You can check occasionally and stir if you like, then replace the lid.
5. When the couscous has expanded and absorbed the tomato juice, it is ready to eat.

Per serving whole wheat couscous alone.
Weight Watchers P+ = 2.
Calories 85; Protein 3g; Carbohydrate 15g; Fat 2g; Fibre 2g

Per serving with the canned tomatoes.
Weight Watchers P+ = 3.
Calories 110; Protein 4g; Carbohydrate 20g; Fat 2g; Fibre 3g

I usually divide it into 2 bowls and then add lots of chopped veggies, some beans and/or a sliced hardboiled egg.  A little salt and pepper and a dash of oregano tops it off.  I don't bother with dressing but you could add some oil and vinegar if you like.

I often make this up in the morning, leave it on the counter while I am running or doing chores, and when lunchtime rolls around, it is ready to use.

Note:
If  you use a different liquid, the proportion of couscous to liquid should be 1 to 2.

Assemble the ingredients.

Put the tomatoes and the couscous into the container.

Stir well, making sure all the couscous is covered with liquid.

After a couple of hours, stir contents.  Couscous will be nicely plumped and ready to eat.

You can eat it as it, or add to veggies and eggs/beans to make a delicious, filling salad.

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