Couscous Soup

*Finally* a new post! We've both been in the process of packing and moving, which explains our longer-than-usual lull at the Gracious Bowl. With all this going on, we haven't had much soup anyways. Meals have been mostly takeout or quick bites standing at the counter. After a lot of eye-batting and begging, Margaret did make her comforting Chicken and Dumplings one weekend, but it's my turn to post, so you'll have to wait until next week to read about that recipe.

This week's inspiration surfaced in the form of a nearly 32 oz. container of all natural durum wheat, sundried tomato, and spinach couscous. Not only are these tri-colored grains pretty, they're also my favorite substitute for potatoes or pasta. Okay, okay. Polenta's really my favorite, but couscous takes an honorable second place AND you don't have stir your arm off to make it!

So, I put the container in my basket and decided to run with a little Moroccan flair and pick up some lamb sausage too. At home, I collected my red peppers, celery, and onion and set out to give "couscous soup" a go. Here's how it all went down:

Couscous Soup
Serves 2-4

1 T extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 red peppers, cubed
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp of ground turmeric or ginger
1 c couscous
5-6 c chicken or vegetable broth
2 tsp salt or to taste
freshly ground pepper
*Optional: 4 links of lamb sausage

1. If you're not using sausage, skip to Step 2. Preheat your broiler or grill. Place sausage on grill or on a baking sheet and heat until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes on each side.

2. Place a stockpot over medium heat. Add olive oil, onions, red peppers, and celery, cumin, and turmeric. Season and heat for 5 minutes or until translucent.

3. Add broth and bring to a boil. Slice sausage into rounds and add to stockpot. Stir in dry couscous.* Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste and serve.

*You could also prepare the couscous separately and add it to your bowl right before serving and ladle the hot soup over it.