Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked couscous or 450 g uncooked couscous
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• boiling water (as directed below)
• 4 ounces diced carrots or 100 g diced carrots
• 1 bell pepper (deseeded & diced)
• 4 ounces green beans (cut in short lengths ) or 100 g green beans (cut in short lengths )
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 ounces raisins or 50 g raisins
• 1 ounce almonds or 25 g almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

1. Place the couscous & salt in lrg bowl. Add enough boiling water to cover it by ¼-inch. Cover tightly w/cling-film & allow to stand for 8-10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, place the carrots, bell pepper & beans in a saucepan w/enough water to just cover. Bring to a boil & cook for 8-10 min until just tender.

3. Meanwhile, mix together all dressing ingredients in a sml bowl.

4. Drain the cooked vegetables well & add to the cooked couscous, mixing well w/a fork.

5. Add onions, raisins & almonds. Then pour in the dressing & toss well. Chill for at least 1 hr before serving.

6. NOTE: I can look into my creative cooking future & foresee that I may eventually play w/the flavor profile of this recipe. Using the salad dressing as the flavor mechanism would allow for different fruit flavors & even a sweet version that adds sugar or honey to the mix. Feel free to use your own imagination.