Israeli Couscous Salad

Israeli couscous is also called Ptitim. It is made out of hard wheat flour and made into little white balls. Normally it is eaten with fried onions and tomato paste. It is very versatile. Could be used in soups, as a substitute for rice and in salad. It resembles and reminds me of 'Sabudana' - little white balls made out of arrowroot. This is used in Indian cooking.


INGREDIENTS:                                                     serves 4 ; Prep time 10 mins; Cook time 15 mins

1.  Israeli couscous - 1 cup
2. Mixed diced vegetables of choice - 1 cup - cucumbers,tomato,bell peppers, onion, spinach, lettuce, radish, carrots
3. Parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup, lightly packed
4. Mint, chopped - 1/4 cup, lightly packed
5. Olive oil, extra virgin preferred - 1 tbsp
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. Cayenne powder - 1/2 tsp ( optional)
8. Roasted cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
9. Sugar - 1tsp
10. Lime/ lemon juice - 1/2 to 1 tsp

PROCEDURE:

1. Cook the couscous as per manufacturer's instructions - usually allow to boil for 9 minutes in boiling water- just like pasta. Wash in cold water and drain well.
2. Mix in all the rest of the ingredients and mix.
3. Could be served cold or at room temperature.