Moroccan Couscous Salad

Couscous is one of the popular foods in Moroccan cuisine. It is used in salads and pilafs. The mandarin oranges, chickpeas and bell peppers provide this dish a wonderful flavor and look.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups couscous
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 (15 oz. /420 g) can chickpeas
1/4 tsp cumin
2 tbsp peanuts or almonds
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 (8 oz. /230 g) can mandarin oranges
1 -2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 red onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 1/2 cups water or vegetable stock
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 -3 tbsp fresh cilantro
Salt

Directions

1. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a medium pot and set over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon and uncooked couscous and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
3. Slow down the heat, put the lid on and let simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand about 5 minutes.
4. Using a fork, gently fluff the couscous and transfer it to a medium salad bowl. Add the onion, bell peppers, chickpeas, mandarin oranges and raisins.
5. Make the dressing by combining orange juice, sugar and 3 tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Season the dressing with salt and pour over the salad. Mix well to combine,
6. Sprinkle the salad with nuts and cilantro. Chill for about 30 minutes and enjoy.