prep: 30 minutes
cook: 15 minutes
cool: none
Couscous is typically cooked a little soft for my taste, and while that may very well be the way it’s traditionally prepared, I wanted to develop a version for this book that had a bit more of a crunch and freshness to it. Our take is flexible for every season. I’ll toss in dried cranberries in the spring and dried apricots in the fall, and it’s equally delicious served cold or warm.
½ cup dried cranberries
1 cup boiling water
8 cups cauliflower florets (about 3¾ pounds, from 2 medium heads)
3 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup thinly sliced shallot (about 1 small)
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups finely chopped stemmed kale leaves (about one 5-ounce bunch)
½ cup chopped almonds
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
½ cup chopped green onions
1. In a small heatproof bowl, combine the cranberries and boiling water. Let stand until the fruit is softened, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, working in batches of about 2 cups of florets, process the cauliflower in a food processor until very finely chopped (about the size of couscous), about 10 seconds. Process any large remaining pieces with the next batch. Pour into a bowl and repeat with all the cauliflower.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly softened, about 1½ minutes. Stir in the cauliflower and spread it into a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the bottom is slightly browned. Stir, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the drained cranberries, kale, ¼ cup of the almonds, and the salt. Cover and cook until the kale is slightly tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Add the vinegar and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, cover, and keep warm.
5. To the skillet, add the green onions, remaining 1 tablespoon butter, and remaining ¼ cup almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted, about 1 minute.
6. Serve the couscous warm, topped with the green onion/almond mixture.
Makes 8 servings
TIP: If the couscous comes out a little dark, add 2 teaspoons of sherry to brighten it up.