Couscous with Cinnamon, Cardamom and Dried Fruit (of your choice)

Serves 4

 

Ingredients:

1. 1 ½  C. couscous
2. 3 C. chicken stock or water
3. 1 cinnamon stick
4. 5 cardamom pods or 1/2 Tsp. ground cardamom
5. S&P to taste
6. 1/3 C. minced dried apricots (and/or raisins, figs, etc.)
7. 1/3 C. hot water
8. 1/2 stick butter (4 Tblsp.)
9. 1/2 C. pine nuts

10. Minced fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

 

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, warm the 2 ½ chicken stock or water with the cinnamon, cardamom, S&P while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Soak the dried fruit in the 1/3 C. hot water
3. Place 1 Tblsp. butter in a small skillet and turn heat to medium.  When it melts, add the pine nuts and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned lightly—about 5 minutes.  Set aside.
4. Place 2 Tblsp. butter in a medium saucepan and turn the heat to medium-low. When it has melted, add the couscous and cook, stirring, until it is coated with butter, about 1 minute.
5. Strain the stock or water and add it all at once.
6. Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to its minimum.  Cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, 5-8 minutes.
7. Drain the dried fruit and gently stir them into the couscous along with the pine nuts and the remaining butter.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve.