Mexican Couscous

   Super easy, yet super  satisfying, this Mexican Couscous is the perfect quick, weeknight dish.   If you are tired of tacos and fajitas try this new way of enjoying Mexican night. Fresh, spicy and simple ingredients create the most comforting base for grilled chicken, steak or shrimp. The perfect combination of veggies and spices that will have you going back for seconds, even thirds. Move over Taco Tuesdays, hello Mexican Mondays.

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Main Ingredients:
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
½ large sweet onion, finely chopped
½ green bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
½ yellow or orange bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of sweet corn, rinsed and drained
1 cup of crushed tomatoes
1 cup hot water
1 cup of fine Moroccan couscous
 
Herbs and Spices:
1 tsp. pink salt
Cracked black pepper to taste
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. dried cilantro
 
Optional Toppings:
Bunch of fresh cilantro or fresh parsley for garnish
Fresh chopped avocado
Fresh lime wedges
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour Cream
 
Steps:
1. In a large pot, Dutch oven works perfectly, heat the 2 tbsp. of oil on medium/low heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and saute until a little golden.
3. Add all the chopped peppers and jalapeno, stir and saute for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir.
5. Add the dried herbs and spices, everything on the list just toss it in, and stir until combined.
6. Add the black beans, corn, and crushed tomatoes and stir until combined.
7. Add the hot water and bring to a boil.
8. Turn the heat off.
9. Add the couscous and mix it in so it is evenly distributed.
10. Cover the pot and let it stand for 10 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all of the liquid.
11. Fluff with a fork and let rest.  Best served warm or room temperature topped with grilled chicken, steak or shrimp of your choice.
12. Top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, a little avocado, a fresh squeeze of lime, shredded cheddar or sour cream.
13. Mexican Monday, anyone?