Spiced Chicken and Vegetable Couscous

Serves 8.

Note: While this dish does serve a crowd, I don't mind making it for only my family, as the leftovers are wonderful served cold as a salad on a bed of spinach. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided

• 1 red onion, cut into small dice

• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into small dice

• 1 medium zucchini, trimmed and cut into small dice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp. salt, divided

• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

• 1 1/3 c. couscous, preferably whole wheat

• 2 c. coarsely shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1/4 c. golden raisins

• 2 c. boiling water

• 1/2 c. sliced almonds

• 1/2 c. roughly chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

Directions

In a medium skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and zucchini and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook for another 30 seconds until the vegetables are crispy/tender and the spices are fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and sauté until the couscous is lightly browned and toasty. Remove from the heat. Immediately add the chicken, raisins and boiling water. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and gently fold in the almonds and the cilantro. Add vegetable mixture.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories240Fat8 gSodium212 mgSaturated fat1 g

Carbohydrates27 gCalcium49 mg

Protein16 gCholesterol30 mgDietary fiber5 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 2 bread/starch, 1½ lean meat, ½ fat.