Mediterranean Couscous With Za'atar Crusted Halloumi

Ingredients

• 250 g couscous
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1 cup onion (finely diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 lemon (zested & juiced)
• 1 tbsp sundried tomatoes (rehydrated & finely diced)
• 1/2 cup olives (sliced)
• 1/2 cup parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 cups arugula or baby spinach (divided into 4 portions)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps Make Salad ---

2. 2

   Heat a pot over medium high, when hot, add 1 tbsp olive oil & couscous.

3. 3

   Toast for 2 mins, stirring often, until couscous starts to brown.

4. 4

   Add onion & garlic, cook, stirring often, until softened (abt 5 mins)

5. 5

   Add water, bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, add salt, stir & simmer until couscous is tender (8-10 mins)

6. 6

   Remove from heat, cover & set aside for 5 mins.

7. 7

   Fluff with a fork, transfer to a big bowl, add the rest of the ingredients (except arugula or spinach), taste to adjust seasoning & set aside.

8. 8

   --- Steps ---

9. 9

   Pat halloumi cubes dry, transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with za'atar & mix well to coat.

10. 10

    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, when hot, add halloumi, cook until golden brown then set aside to cool.

11. 11

    To serve, place 1 portion of arugula or spinach on a serving plate.

12. 12

    Top with 1 portion of couscous salad, enough halloumi cubes & sprinkle with more lemon wedges, parsley & chilli flakes (optional).