Couscous And Garbanzo Salad

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 3 cups garbanzo beans, canned,rinsed and drained or 1 1/2 cups dried garbanzo beans, cooked
• 2 cups cooked couscous
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• bottled hot sauce
• salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 2/3 cup dried currant, soaked in hot water until plumped,then drained
• 2/3 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced green onion, including tops
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• tomato, pieces,for garnish,if desired

Recipe

• 1 for dressing, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cumin, hot sauce, salt and pepper in small bowl.
• 2 in a large bowl, combine garbanzos, couscous, currants, sweet pepper, onion, mint and parsley and mix well.
• 3 add the dressing and toss to distribute.
• 4 cover and let stand at room temperature for about one hour, or cover tightly and refrigerate for as long as overnight; return to room temperature before serving.
• 5 place the pine nuts in a small, heavy skillet over medium heat.
• 6 toast, shaking the pan or stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• 7 pour a plate to cool.
• 8 mound the salad on a serving dish or individual plates, sprinkle with pine nuts and garnish with tomato pieces.
• 9 serves 6 as main dish or 12 as side dish.