Mediterranean Toasted Couscous

This is such a fun twist on couscous! It makes the couscous nutty and crunchy, packed with all the delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

•  2 tbsp. scallions, sliced
• 1 tbsp. capers, minced
• 1 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• ½ cup red bell peppers, cored, seeded and diced
• ½ cup English cucumber, medium diced
• 1 cup fresh Greek Feta
• 2 tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or red chili pepper, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juiced
• 2 cups Israeli Couscous
• 2 garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• 2 tsp. butter
• Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large bowl combine scallions, capers, olives, red pepper, cucumbers, feta, pine nuts, spinach, red pepper flakes and lemon. Set aside.

In a small sauce pan cook the couscous according to package. Then in a large sauté pan heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic clove to infuse into the oil. Remove when it starts turning brown. Start adding a little bit of couscous at a time to make an even layer onto the bottom of the pan. Cook in batches, and toast until it starts turning golden brown.

Add to the vegetables when done. (Make sure to use a non-stick pan!!! Or you will be washing dishes for a while) mix all together and season as needed!