Author Notes
A garden full of fresh mint, parsley and basil...a cup of pearl couscous left in the cupboard and the remainder of a jar of anchovies inspired this little salad. Even if you're not an anchovy lover, this will not send you over the deep end. The anchovy is so subtle you may not even realize it's there. But I think it serves a salty purpose! —inpatskitchen
Ingredients
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1 1/4 cups water
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1 cup
pearl couscous
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4
anchovy filets, divided
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2 tablespoons
fresh lemon juice
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1/2 cup
extra virgin olive oil
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4 tablespoons
finely diced red onion
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1/2 cup
chopped fresh mint
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1/2 cup
chopped flat leaf parsley
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1/4 cup
thinly sliced fresh basil
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10
grape tomatoes, halved
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a small sauce pan, bring the water to a boil and add the pearl couscous. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place the cooked couscous in a mixing bowl to cool.
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While the couscous is cooling make the vinaigrette: Mash 2 of the anchovy filets in a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice. Slowly whisk in the oil.
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Stir the vinaigrette into the cooled couscous, followed by the onion, mint, parsley and basil. Finely mince the remaining two anchovy filets and stir them in with the grape tomatoes. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Once chilled season with a little salt and pepper if desired.
I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining.
My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!
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