HealthNotes

Sesame-Garlic Couscous with Broccoli

Ingredients

• 2 cups boiling water

• 1 1/2 cups couscous, (white or whole wheat)

• 1 tsp vegetable oil

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 red pepper, chopped

• 1 1/4 cups garbanzo beans, canned, drained (one 15.5-ounce can)

• Sauce:2 Tbs cornstarch

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 1 Tbs sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 1/2 cups orange juice

• 1/2 cup soy sauce, low sodium

• 1 tsp honey

The delicious sesame-garlic sauce serves as a flavorful topping for both vegetables and couscous. Experiment with seasonal vegetables or rice in this versatile dish.

Directions

• In a medium sauce pan, bring water to a boil, stir in couscous. Mix couscous with a fork; cover and remove from heat. Let stand until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a nonstick skillet. Add broccoli and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes, then cover and cook on low until vegetables are tender, approximately two minutes. Add garbanzo beans and continue to cook until beans are heated through. When done, cover to keep warm and set aside.
• Prepare sauce: Mix cornstarch and cold water together in a jar, shake until blended. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat oil and add garlic, sauté for one minute. Add orange juice, soy sauce and honey and heat. When thoroughly heated, add cornstarch mixture to sauce and turn heat up to bring about a slow rolling boil. Using a whisk, stir sauce frequently until it thickens.
• In a large serving bowl, add vegetable mixture to couscous, pour sauce over the top and gently mix. Serve immediately.