Harvest couscous

I happened upon this package of Harvest Grain Blends at the Trader Joe’s near me. It looked like such an interesting blend of grains - Israeli couscous, red and green orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. I had to buy it and make something with it. What I came up with was what I am calling Harvest CousCous. Yes, it tastes as good as it looks. I added some leftover chicken, but it could just as easily be made vegetarian and still be an incredibly delicious meal. The textures and flavors are almost addicting, and I think you could easily substitute any of your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!

Harvest couscous

1 acorn squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1″ chunks

2 tablespoons olive oil

coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

3 shallots, chopped

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon coriander

1 quart broth (chicken or vegetable)

1 16-ounce package Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend grains (see note)

1 bay leaf

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1/2 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

cut-up leftover chicken (optional)

[Note: if you do not have access to a Trader Joe's, I think this recipe would work just fine with a mix of favorite grains. You could include Israeli couscous, and add some other that you like - wheatberries, kasha, quinoa]

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix the squash with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking pan, and roast in oven for approximately 30 minutes, turning once or twice to evenly brown.

While the squash is cooking, saute the shallots in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large cooking pot until golden. Add the coriander, cumin, and paprika. Stir, then add the broth, and the bay leaf and thyme, and stir again. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 6 - 10 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Add the raisins, almonds, roasted squash, and optional chicken. Combine everything, cooking for about 1 more minute, and serve. Makes 6 servings.