Ottolenghi's couscous, cherry tomato & herb salad

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Ottolenghi's couscous salad featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and a medley of fresh herbs. Savory and refreshing!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups couscous
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ras el hanout
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 2/3 cups boiling water
• 280g cherry tomatoes
• 2 onions, sliced paper-thin
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and lightly crushed
• 1/3 cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 3/4 cup mint leaves, roughly torn
• 1 lemon (finely zest to get 1 teaspoon, then juice to get 1 tablespoon)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, place the couscous. Pour 2 tablespoons of oil over it, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ras el hanout, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and a good amount of pepper. Then, pour in the boiling water. Mix well, cover the bowl tightly with foil, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Uncover, fluff the couscous with a fork, and leave it to cool.
2. Take a large frying pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and heat it over high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start browning and splitting. Take them out of the pan, season with a bit of salt, and set aside along with any released juices.
3. Clean the pan, pour in the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, and return it to medium-high heat. Add the onions, the remaining 1 teaspoon of ras el hanout, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the onions turn dark golden brown and soft. Remove from heat, mix in the raisins, and let it cool down.
4. Once the couscous has cooled a bit, move it to a large bowl. Combine it with the onion and raisin mixture. Add the cumin, almonds, cilantro, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Gently mix everything together.
5. Serve the mixture on a platter, top it with the cooked tomatoes, and it's ready to be served.

Summary:

• Calories: 2317 kcal
• Fat: 109 g
• Protein: 55 g
• Carbs: 295 g
• Potassium: 2726 mg
• Magnesium: 394 mg