Couscous with Eggplant and Red Pepper Salad

By SMorrissey

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons roasted tahini
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup Israeli couscous
• 3 cups water
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), trimmed and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and quartered
• 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley leaves, coarsely chopped

Preparation

Step 1

Place the lemon juice and tahini in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Add the garlic and shallot and stir to combine. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until completely incorporated; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and cook, stirring occasionally, until light golden brown and toasted, about 3 minutes.
Carefully add the water (the mixture may sputter), season with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the couscous is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well through a fine-mesh strainer. While still warm, add the couscous to the reserved tahini dressing and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed; set aside.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high (about 450°F to 550°F). Meanwhile, place the eggplant and red pepper slices on a baking sheet and rub both sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
When the grill is ready, place the eggplant and pepper slices on the grill and cook, uncovered, flipping halfway through, until browned and dark grill marks appear on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes total for the eggplant and 10 to 12 minutes total for the red pepper. Transfer to a cutting board.
When the vegetables are cool enough to handle, cut them into small dice and add them to the couscous. Sprinkle with the parsley and stir to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.