Couscous with Artichokes, Feta, Sun-dried Tomato

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups water, divided
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1 3/4 cups uncooked Israeli couscous
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 (6-ounce) jars marinated artichoke hearts, undrained
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Combine 2 cups water and tomatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high 3 minutes or until water boils; cover and let stand 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and chop; set aside.

Place 1/3 cup water and vegetable broth in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes and remaining ingredients.

Moroccan Chicken Salad

3 chicken breasts, grilled or baked
Moroccan spices (or see marinade below)
4 T olive oil
3 c. dried couscous
3 c. chicken or vegetable stock
2 T. butter
2 zucchini, sliced
2 red peppers, sliced
1 large sweet potato, sliced
2 T. parsley
1/4 c. black olives
3 T. lime juice

1. Coat chicken in marinade or spices of choice (see recipe below for ideas)
2. Grill, bake, or sear chicken until golden brown. Remove. Slice in strips.
3. Toss vegetables with 1 Tbs. olive oil and cook (I grill on the bbq or bake in a pan coated with olive oil)
4. Pour stock over couscous and cook according to pkg directions. Stir 2 Tbs. butter through when cooked.
5. In a serving bowl, combine the cooked veggies and olives with the couscous.
6. Combine rest of the olive oil with lime juice and a teaspoon of the seasoning or marinade then drizzle over salad.
7. Top with sliced chicken and parsley.
8. Serve warm with salad greens and flat bread on the side.

Moroccan BBQ Marinade

1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ginger
2 teaspoons salt (kosher)
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric

This is not technically vegetarian, but you could easily delete or replace the chicken with baked tofu or other meat substitute of choice. The couscous is very high in protein so it's great for vegetarians.