Coucous Salad

Another native recipe from Morocco. Couscous is a staple dish in most North African countries such as Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Couscous can be eaten alone or with meat or stew atop of it.
Although traditional couscous has a quite extensive preparation time, quick cook couscous is now available all over the world.
Ingredients:
2 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 Tbsp ground ginger
2 garlic cloves, pressed
2 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp ground tumeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 10 ounce box plain couscous
1/2 cup raisins
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large carrot, peeled, quartered lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
1 cup thinly sliced green beans
2 tsp finely grated lemon peel
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Bring chicken broth, 1 Tbsp oil, ginger, 1 tsp salt, tumeric, cinnamon, and cumin to a boil in large saucepan. Stir in couscous and remove from heat. Scatter raisins over, cover and let stand about 10 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork. Transfer to a large bowl. Add cucumber, red pepper, carrot, green beans, and lemon peel. Whisk remaining 1 Tbsp oil, 1 tsp salt, and lemon juice in small bowl. Add couscous, toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garbanzo Bean Dip

Garbanzo Bean Dip is referred to as hummus.
Hummus is a great spread for sandwiches or snacks. Hummus comes to us from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries.
However, I learned about hummus from my fiancee who is from Morocco. Its also a great source of protein, being made primarily of chickpeas. This simple recipe will teach you how to make Hummus for a delicious health snack.

Ingredients:
2 tsp ground cumin
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo or chickpeas, drained & rinsed
Reserve 3 Tbsp of garbanzo bean liquid
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced

Stir cumin in small dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Combine garbanzo beans, 3 Tbsp garbanzo bean liquid, lemon juice, oil, garlic, and cumin in processor. Puree until smooth. Add more garbanzo bean liquid if necessary for desired consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Crunchy Onion Chicken

I love those french fried onions but had only ever used them for Thanksgiving in green bean casserole until I found this recipe. Now I can use them at any time during the year for dinner. Quick and easy recipe.

Ingredients:
2 cups French fried onions
4 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 egg beaten

Crush French fried onions in plastic bag. Dip chicken into beaten egg. Then coat in onion crumbs. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with a side dish of vegetables such as green beans.