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    Home > Blog Index

    Published: Jun 28, 2021 · Modified: Jul 29, 2021 by Helen S Fletcher · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Two Fantastic, Easy Summer Sides

    Southwestern Vegetable Couscous

    Southwestern Roasted Vegetable Couscous

    These Two Fantastic, Easy Summer Sides features  recipes that have nothing to do with pastry or baking and everything to do with enjoying the summer.

    Both  are easy to make, are low in fat and can be made ahead.  They’re great with grilled food or can be eaten on their own.

    After all, even a baker or pastry chef eats sides with their dinner!

    The Black Bean Salad can be put together in minutes and is high in protein.  It should be made at least the day ahead and lasts for a week in the refrigerator.  It’s perfect for a picnic or any- where refrigeration isn’t to be had.  Truth to tell, I can eat it all by itself and feel very satisfied.  This salad is great with tacos and is far better for you than refried beans.

    Southwestern Roasted Vegetable Couscous summer side is super easy, super tasty and the vibrant colors want to make you dive right in.  Serve it with a grilled or roasted chicken breast or salmon fillet for a complete meal.  Toasting the couscous first insures it will not clump together when it’s finished.  It’s easily done while you cut up the veggies.

    While often thought of as a grain, couscous is actually made of semolina or barley and water and is considered a pasta.

    Types of Couscous

    There are three types of couscous according to Cooking Light.

    • Moroccan couscous is the smallest—about the size of semolina—and cooks in minutes.
    • Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous, is larger and resembles tiny pieces of pasta. It takes about 10 minutes to cook.
    • Lebanese couscous, also called Moghrabieh couscous, is larger than Israeli couscous and takes the longest to cook.

    This salad can be made ahead and lasts for days in the refrigerator.

    These summer sides will perk up any lunch, dinner, or snack.

    Black Bean SaladBlack Bean Salad for Two Fantastic Easy Summer Sides

    2 – 1# cans black beans, well drained and rinsed
    10 ounce can corn, well drained
    4 ounce can chopped green chiles with juice
    1 bunch green onions, green tops only, sliced
    ½ cup diced pimentos or roasted red peppers
    ½ teaspoon salt
    1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped

    Mix all together.

    Dressing

    ½ cup vegetable oil
    ¼ cup red wine vinegar
    1 teaspoon sugar
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

    Place all dressing ingredients in a bowl.  Whisk well to combine.

    Pour over black bean mixture; stir well.  Make at least 1 day ahead.

    This summer side couldn’t get any easier!

    Southwestern Roasted Vegetable Couscous

    1 cup uncooked couscous
    ¼ cup water
    1 cup chicken stock
    1 cup diced red pepper
    1 cup sliced mushrooms
    ½ cup diced carrots
    1  - 11 ounce can whole kernel corn drained well ( I use Niblets brand)
    1 teaspoon minced garlic
    1 teaspoon chili powder
    ½ teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon black pepper
    ¼ teaspoon cumin
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    1 – 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
    ⅓ cup chopped green onions, green part only

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

    Place the couscous in a rimmed baking pan and shake it to even it out to one layer. Unbaked couscous for Two Fantastic Easy Summer SidesBake for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.  The edges will most likely be browner than the middle.  Stir the couscous, shake it again and let it brown for several minutes until it is more uniformly colored.Toasted couscous

    Bring the water and broth to a boil in a small saucepan.  Gradually stir in the couscous.  Remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.  Remove the lid and fluff with a fork; set aside.Cooked Couscous

    In the meantime, cut the veggies and place the red pepper, mushrooms, carrots, corn, and garlic in a bowl.  In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin.  Sprinkle over the veggies and stir well.  Add the vegetable oil and stir to coat the vegetables.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray.  Pour the vegetables into the pan and shake to distribute evenly in a single layer. Vegetables for Two Fantasic Easy Summer Sides Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until nicely roasted.

    Combine the couscous with the roasted vegetables and beans.  Serve with the onions sprinkled on top.

    This summer side can be served hot or warm or room temperature.

    I can also eat it cold.

    Yields:  4 servings.

    Other recipes to brighten your summer:

    Summer Vegetable Tart
    Mayfair Salad Dressing - Better than Caeser

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email

    More Blog Index

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    • Glazes for Baked Goods & Pillowy Soft Dinner Rolls
    • A Quick and Easy Summer Teacake
    • Pave d'Amour - The Quintessential Celebration Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eileen Murphy says

      June 28, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      These look delicious. I have never been a fan of the mayo based summer sides and this really looks great to me. I had a gathering a week ago and served you orzo Mediterranean salad and it was such a hit. People went home with the recipe. Helen thanks so much for your hard labor and wonderful presentations. They are truly appreciated.

      Reply
      • hfletcher says

        June 28, 2021 at 1:51 pm

        Hi Eileen, I agree about the mayo based salads, except for the Epicurean Potato salad. Glad you liked the Med Orzo. I have thought that before and at one class they were almost crawling over the counter to get more. So simple, but so good. I think you'll like these also.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Helen! Being a self-taught baker and owning a bakery for over 25 years, I found many ways to make baking more successful and less intimidating. Even busy people can bake as in many cases, recipes can be done over days. The goal is to make your baking life easier, more enjoyable, with great outcomes on a consistent basis.

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