Herby Barley Couscous with Chipotle Halloumi and Grilled Apricots

By: Ramona Cuisine from ramonascuisine.com

By: Ramona Cuisine from ramonascuisine.com

"Herby barley couscous with chipotle halloumi and grilled apricots is one of those favorite couscous salad recipes. Airy, tasty, light and so perfect as leftovers or work lunch box the next day. Healthy and super easy to make! A barley couscous salad with chipotle halloumi and any grilled fruits would make a beautiful Christmas dish too, dont you agree? Absolutely Fabulous! Be very generous with the herbs as they are the power and the flavour engine for this dish. Choose your favourite herbs and make it your own."

Notes* as herbs here in this recipe I have used dill, parsley and mint but you may use any ones you like. Thyme goes super well here with apricots too.

* I have replaced a few times the halloumi cheese with lamb chops or pork medallions, its divine.

* yet again addition thats perfect for sharing, for parties, it always looks vibrant and super impressive.

* A drizzle of a good quality balsamic vinegar into which you can add some fresh herbs will go well here too, well at least thats what I like since I am a balsamic vinegar addict. Enjoy!

Click here for the easy casserole recipe

Serves4

Preparation Time20 min

Cooking Time10 min

Ingredients

220 g halloumi cheese sliced
210 ml vegetable or chicken stock
190 g barley couscous
180 g tenderstem broccoli
6 apricots halved and grilled
5 leaves fresh mint bruised and finely chopped
1 tbsp chipotle paste
1 small bunch mixed fresh herbs
60 g pecan nuts toasted and roughly chopped
2 handful pomegranate seeds

Put the dry couscous into a slightly larger bowl and pour over the boiling stock. Cover with a plate or clingfilm and set aside for at least 20 minutes.
Slice and brush the halloumi cheese with a coat of chipotle paste and set aside for a few minutes.
While the couscous its getting infused, and the halloumi a little confused , grill the apricots and the broccoli on a griddle pan for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side then remove and put on a plate aside.
Grill the halloumi cheese too for 2 minutes on each side and set aside once finished.
Toast the pecan nuts in a pan for literally 2 min tossing almost constantly and make sure youre not abandoning that pan till you take them off that pan. Warning : They burn fast! After toasting, take them out from that pan and place them on a chopping board ready for a rough chopping once they are cool enough to handle which should be 1 min or so.
In a jar, place all dressing ingredients and give those a good old shake. Shake it, shake it, and shake a little bit more until you think enough is enough.