| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 420 | 6g | 1g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 6g | 9g | 0.63g |
I’m sighing a content sigh as I click away on my keyboard today, reliving the incredible flavors and refreshing nuances of the Njangsa Spiced Couscous Salad. This recipe, mates, holds a special place not just on my tongue, but also in my heart. There’s something about this eclectic mix of fruits, herbs, spices, and of course, couscous, that echoes the diversity and vibrance of dear old New York City, my home. It’s just like the streets out here; a colourful, vivacious, melting pot of cultures and tastes, united by the love for good food.
Diverse Flavours Meeting on a Plate, Yet Again
This divine Njangsa Spiced Couscous Salad brings together such a wide array of flavors, each standing up on its own yet blending perfectly into the collective goodness. It’s quite like an ensemble of stage actors, each with their unique character, coming together to weave a delightful culinary plot. The bitterness of the greens, the piquancy of the Njangsa spice, tanginess of citrus fruits, soft sweetness of apples and bananas, and the robust flavor of couscous create a medley that just sings on your palate.
Health Benefits of this Flavorful Symphony
And oh, the health benefits! Couscous is known for high protein content and the fruits, they’re chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. The olive oil adds a healthy dose of good fats while the spices not only add flavor, but bring with them potential therapeutic benefits. For instance, did you know Njangsa, an African spice, has been studied for its antimicrobial properties? That’s right! This salad isn’t just a treat to the taste buds, but a blessing for your overall health.
This recipe shows its versatility; it’s a perfect companion to your grilled meats, or a hearty entrée on its own. Those of you who’ve had the traditional Moroccan couscous salad, you’ll find a delightful twist in this recipe, with the added burst of fruity freshness and the unique Njangsa spice.
So, friends, whether you’re looking for a burst of New York in your kitchen, or hunting for a salad that charms you with its health benefits as much as it does with its flavors, the Njangsa Spiced Couscous Salad is your go-to! Tuck in and enjoy as this dish takes you on a flavorful journey, straight through the heart of NYC to the sands of Africa, presenting the world on a plate, quite literally.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of dried Couscous
- 1 tablespoon of Njangsa spice
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups of boiling water
- 2 oranges, peeled and cut into segments
- 2 apples, diced
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 1/2 cup of cranberries
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- The juice of 1 lemon
- The juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Method
Step One
Start by placing 2 cups of dried couscous in a large heatproof bowl. Add a tablespoon of Njangsa spice and a little salt to taste. Stir it well to ensure the Njangsa spice is evenly distributed throughout the couscous.
Step Two
Heat up 2 cups of water till it reaches boiling point. Carefully pour the boiling water over the spiced couscous. Stir it quickly and cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes until the couscous absorbs all the boiling water and becomes fluffy.
Step Three
While waiting for the couscous to cook, prepare your fruits. Peel and segment 2 oranges, dice 2 apples, slice 2 bananas and get 1 cup of blueberries and 1/2 cup of cranberries ready.
Step Four
Once the couscous is ready, fluff it up with a fork to avoid any lumps. Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil to give it a glistening look and to prevent the grains from sticking together.
Step Five
Add your prepared fruits to the couscous, stirring it gently to combine. Also, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves and another 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley, to give it a fresh herby flavor.
Step Six
Finally, for a tangy and sweet finish, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime. Then drizzle in a tablespoon of honey. Stir everything together once more to ensure every grain of couscous gets an even distribution of all the flavors.
Step Seven
Your Njangsa Spiced Couscous Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a light meal or dessert, or as a side dish to a main course.
