Curried Cous Cous

I've been craving a curry dish lately, but with the temperatures near 100*, I couldn't imagine enjoying a big bowl of warm veggies and rice. I decided to do a few searches for a curry salad, and see what came up. Of course there were a few curried chicken salads, but I wanted something grain and vegetable based. I was intrigued by this Ina Garten recipe, it was vegetarian, full of curry and other spices, sweet and savory and cold! 

I followed her recipe closely, however I did substitute Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend for the cous cous, which I think added great texture and a little extra dimension. I also chose to shred my carrots rather than dice, and omitted the parsley. I was going to add cilantro, but forgot until I began eating the dish! 

Ina suggests eating this at room temperature, but I enjoyed it chilled.

Curried Cous Cous

adapted from Ina Garten, 2 large dinner servings 

2/3 c. cous cous or TJ's Harvest Grain Blend

1 tsp. EVOO

1 1/3 c. water or vegetable stock

1/4 c. plain greek yogurt

1 tsp. Rice vinegar

1 tbsp. curry powder

Salt and pepper

2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded

1/4 c. dried cranberries

1/4 c. toasted, sliced almonds

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1/4 small red onion, minced

Chopped cilantro or parsley, if desired

Prepare cous cous according to package directions (For mine, I brought water to a boil, added grain blend and EVOO, turned to a simmer, covered and cooked for 10 minutes)

When all water is absorbed, cool cous cous, fluff with a fork and add to a large mixing bowl.

In a small dish, whisk together vinegar, curry and yogurt, pour over cous cous.

Gently toss to combine.

Add remaining ingredients, gently stir to combine.

Place in the refrigerator and chill for 2+ hours.

Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.