Side Dish

Couscous is a type of pasta that can be prepared in an instant. It's done as soon as the "grains" soak up the hot liquid. This version, with its traditional Mediterranean flavors, is a wonderful accompaniment to fish and a salad of cucumbers, tomatoes and feta cheese. Once you make this dish, you'll find yourself wanting to experiment with other flavorful additions to couscous.

Food as Medicine
Tomatoes, which are featured in this recipe, provide lycopene, which may help protect against prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers.

1 1/2 cups boiling water
2/3 cup whole-wheat couscous
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 fresh Italian tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon capers
2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Pour the boiling water over the couscous in a mixing bowl. Stir, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes.

2. Fluff the couscous with a fork, stir in the olive oil, then add the other ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serve at room temperature.

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