Three months ago to this day exactly (wow, has it been that long?!) I blogged about a delicious summer dinner with organic grilled chicken, a simple salad and parmesan couscous from Near East. We loved the couscous – it was super flavorful and so easy to make (literally 5 minutes!). If you’re anything like me – that’s a really good combo. If I’m not making a one-bowl dish, I prefer putting my effort into the protein. Side dishes are often an afterthought and end up being kind of boring.
Near East parmesan couscous was delicious on it’s own, but I decided to play around a bit with the second box I hand on hand (I received 2 boxes from the company). I went straight to the Near East website for inspiration where 5 different couscous dishes were featured, each inspired by different cuisine – all part of NE’s Around the World in 5 minutes initiative (you can even enter their sweepstakes and win a Mediterranean trip for 2!). We just got some lamb from our meat CSA and I decided to give Chef Peter Bowen’s recipe of peppered lamb chops with roasted red pepper & feta couscous a go. Doesn’t that sound delicious?
Dinner came together super fast (I love fast yet balanced weeknight meals!)
I am actually still not sure about lamb but I’m trying to like it since Adam LOVES it and well, we now get it through the meat CSA. My first few bites were ok but then I got that gamy flavor and gave Adam the rest. The couscous, however, I could eat a whole package of. Man, it was good! I used Parmesan couscous (not garlic and EVOO as per recipe) and subbed grape tomatoes for roasted red peppers, since that’s what I had on hand. The result was creamy and cheesy couscous with sharp feta bites and a fresh pop from the grape tomatoes. A-mazing!
I was a good girl, though. I ate a reasonable amount and put the rest away. I had “plans” for the leftovers. The plans looked something like this:
Basically I took the leftovers, mixed them with 1 egg, and then with a spoon placed little blobs of it (flattening a bit with a spoon) on a preheated skillet (1t EVOO, on medium high). I was delighted when I successfully was able to flip the couscous cakes with a spatula and noticed a beautiful crust forming. Yay for improvisation! 
The 2 couscous cakes (I made 4) were served with some random Russian bites from dinner we had at my parents’ yesterday (my mom always sends us off with plenty of food).
‘Twas a good lunch. 
Good news for you guys. Near East will send one lucky Healthy and Sane reader FIVE boxes of couscous (one of each flavor featured in Chef Bowen’s recipes). Pretty awesome, right? Here are the giveaway rules:
1) Leave a comment on this post – tell me something fun – are you a couscous lover, lamb lover – maybe your favorite recipes with these? (Seriously, I am still on the fence about lamb – I need a recipe that will “convert” me 
Anything goes, though. Just don’t leave a comment like “comment” – yeah, I’ve seen that too. Not gonna fly. 
2) If you have a blog, let others know about the giveaway and link back to this post. If you don’t have a blog, tell someone about this giveaway and let me know that you’ve done so (after they enter the giveaway by commenting). You can also tweet about this giveaway (my twitter name must be included to qualify – that’s @healthyandsane fyi 
) *Either one earns you a bonus point*
3) If you have a blog, add Healthy and Sane to your blogroll or follow me on Twitter (if I’m already on your blogroll, let me know – it counts!). If you don’t, shoot me an email and give me some feedback on my blog. *This also earns you a bonus point*
Please leave a separate comment for each entry. I will randomly choose a winner using random.org and announce the winner next Monday, August 23. Good luck! 
I love to use couscous as a breakfast, with berries and soymilk…delish!
I normally eat TJ’s whole wheat couscous with marinara and frozen veggies. Makes for a quick and filling lunch that I can make at work… Also, no stove required!
Just tweeted!
I’ve never tried using couscous in any other way than the traditional way. I’d love to try making the “cakes” though – they truly look delicious!
I love couscous and have also tried turning leftovers into patties before as well. Unfortunately they did not hold together at all! =( I will try using an egg next time though so thanks so much for the tip!
Yummm! Couscous is amazing and I love it for a delicious light lunch!
Hope I win
ps love ur blog
I LOVE couscous! My fav is to make it into a summer salad with fresh herbs, summer squashes, roasted onions, fresh sweet peas and a light vinegarette. It makes an excellent cookout side dish or great light lunch.
I love couscous! I make a spicy veggie couscous with indian spices (curry, cumin, etc), zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and more. YUM
On lamb… not a fan!
I’ve never eaten lamb; I’m not sure if I could. I just love sheep. I’m trying to cook more with couscous.
You are on in my Google reader.
I linked back on my giveaway page.
I’ve never had lamb and I’m not sure if I could eat it. Kind of like duck. Not sure what it is, but not even remotely interested…
(interesting enough? 
I tweeted about the giveaway
I LOVE couscous – actually made a great dinner with it tonight! Lemon Basil Chickpea Stew, served over Couscous: http://therunnerscookie.wordpress.com/2010/08/16/eating-what-you-want-lemon-basil-chickpea-stew/
i LOVE couscous in all ways, but currently i’m obsessed with a cold couscous salad. I add kidney beans, corn, cumin, a little homemade balsamic vinaigrette, and green onions. It’s fabulous!
I enjoy couscous and would like to try more recipes.
I love couscous with toasted almonds and dried fruit. It fun on the taste buds and brings color to the plate! As for lamb.. I like it but it depends how it is cooked. I know I’d never mess cooking it but once at a Greek restaurant my boyfriend ordered grilled lamb chops… Amazing.
You are featured on my blogroll!
I love both couscous and lamb….best thing I ever ate with the latter was a tagine with almonds and apricots in a slightly spicy honey broth!
ugh, i hate lamb. it was really big with my father’s family and growing up i used to hide whenever it was served. i’m a vegetarian now so i just politely decline!
I am a fan of both couscous and lamb! My favorite way to prepare lamb is with TONS of garlic and rosemary — my recipe is on my blog. Have a look if you please!
http://operagirlcooks.com/2010/08/13/mesquite-grilled-lamb/
I’ve recently re-discovered a love for lamb! I have an awesome marinade recipe that i can give you. I think the marinade is key
I actually made it last night for my friends while we’re all on vacation!
I follow you on twitter
You’re on my blog roll too
I loverly love lamb. I’m Greek. I’m like… part lamb.
My current favorite lamb recipe is this Cooking Light one for stuffed lamb- you butterfly a leg of it and then stuff it with sun dried tomatoes and breadcrumbs. It’s amaaaaaazing and it’s a nice mix of flavors so it’s not overwhelmingly lamb-y:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1599653
i adore couscous but im with you on the lamb….i’m not that big of a fan :/
i follow u on twitter
I actually have never tried couscous before! So, that would be something… other than that though, the couscous cakes looks so good, so I want to try!
i loooove the texture of couscous. your cakes look great! i’d love to make them.
you’re on my blog roll
i follow you on twitter!
I love couscous…lamb, not so much.
Following you on Twitter! @goofyfrito
Tweeted the giveaway! @goofyfrito
I recently tried a delicious whole wheat couscous! Definitely a fan!
I made quinoa cakes with leftovers, but those couscous cakes look fabulous!
I love the parmesan couscous so much. I always mix in big chunks of feta, crushed cashews, black pepper, and scallions for a light and very tasty meal.
And it is super easy to make!
I love mixing couscous with any variety of fresh summer veggies, then adding garlic, some olive oil, and crushed red pepper. I usually serve it cold as a refreshing summer salad.
You’re on my blogroll and I follow you on Twitter.
I like to mix coucous with olive oil, balsamic and roasted veggies–delish served cold!
I like it with roasted garlic and leftover chicken, so good!
google reader subscriber
Lamb is totally foreign to me. Can’t imagine what it tastes like. Dark chicken, venison? In the coucous I make I mix in diced cucumbers, parsley, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, spices & roasted pine nuts. I never have enough left over to fry into patties.
I do like lamb, but only eat it once or twice a year. Braised lamb shank is very good and doesn’t taste as gamey – it has had time to mellow out a bit.
You are on my blog roll!
Three words: couscous rice pudding. Delish!!!
I love couscous because of how fast it cooks! Such an easy, healthy side dish.
Just tweeted.
I just love the near east couscous with pine nuts. Mix in a few apricots, and it’s a meal unto itself. =)
couscous cakes?! LOVE!!
ps- you’re on my blogroll
i love couscous, apple and carrot cake for breakfast, with honey, pecans and cinnamon….
just thought i’d say hi as i’m new to the blog – had to smile at your comment about being packed off with random russian dinner bites – my husband is russian and i actually arrived back from our last trip to moscow, unpacked my case and found a whole kolbasa, a bag of beets and leftover tvorog cake smuggled inbetween my socks and shoes – the mother in law will never believe that we don’t eat food with visible lumps of fat at home, or that importing meat in your suitcase is kinda illegal…!
(love it)
wow, it’s a shame, i can’t actually remember the last time I had couscous… i loved near east blends, and love the way you spruced it up. i think i’ve only had lamb when eating out, only in the form of kabobs or gyros… so i’m no help there!
Love love couscous with EVOO and saffron!
I love lamb. However, I never cook it but I often order it out!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Couscous…I always add a ton of veggies and some hummus for a quick meal. Now lamb…never liked it much. But maybe I just didn’t order it the right way:(
I think we have slightly different palates as I adore both lamb and onions. I’m really missing the CSA although there are some great meat vendors at the local farmers market.
As a side note, I’m not sure if you have/had my blog in your RSS reader, but if so you may need to update the feed. I didn’t realize when I switched over to feedburner that my old subscribers would no longer be updated so just wanted to send out the FYI. I have the link to the new feed at the top of my blog.
i love lamb kebabs! my armenian grandmother also makes a delicious dish (wish i had the recipe, ugh) that’s called fasulye which is lamb and green beans. kind of like a stew. it is so amazing!
sent you an email!
I love cous-cous for so many reasons its fast, easy, healthy, and my boy friend likes it! I would love to win this give=away and I love your blog!
Those cakes are so cute! I love making couscous too because it’s so fast!
I love Near East couscous – I actually talked about it on my blog a few days ago! As for my opinion on lamb, I have only tried it once and I liked it.
Great giveaway! I love couscous!
Your on my blogroll!
Love to make coucous with lemon pepper and roasted lemon wedges
you are a genius! the egg couscous patty looks insane. i wanna make that, like… now
I forgot to post that you are already on my blogroll
I’m a sucker for BBQ Chicken Pizza!!
I follow you on twitter @vivalameaganx3
Tweeted! http://twitter.com/vivalameaganx3/status/21510611479
cous cous…so nice they named it twice. Sorry I had to. I am a big fan of cous cous and lamb…awesome dinner. I’d love to try those products.
I love couscous!! Yours looks delicious!!!
I love couscous…I especially love it with just a hint of truffle oil and melted Adagio cheese
)
my family makes a mean moroccan cous cous with shrimp – the touch of fresh lemon is amazing! i also really like it with dried fruits and nuts mmmm
I love lamb! Braised lamb shanks are amazing. I can’t pick a favorite between a Moroccan-style preparation (spiced with cinnamon, cumin, etc and braised with dried fruit and vegetables, over couscous) or the Greek dish lamb youvetsi (braised in a slightly-cinammon-spiced tomato sauce with orzo and Greek cheese).
I love the versatility of couscous. It makes the perfect light lunch, tossed with grape tomatoes and spinach and EVOO! Plus, the texture just feels so neat while you’re eating it….now that’s using all of your senses!
just tweeted!!
@breatheandsavor
I don’t really eat lamb but I definitely eat cous cous. In college it was my go to and well, I guess it still is. Now, I try and mix it up though, cous cous cakes have been my favorite cc mash up!
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