Simple Olive Couscous

This side dish has a great flavor that belies its simplicity and ease of cooking. I could eat this as a meal (I really love couscous), but it’s perfect as a side dish with pretty much any dish with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or North African flavors. I made it tonight with these braised chicken thighs!

Simple Olive Couscous

Ingredients: 

• 2/3 cup pearl couscous
• 1 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 8 kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp juice from olive jar, divided
• Fresh-ground black pepper

Instructions: 

1. Place the couscous, chicken stock, and 1 tbsp of olive juice to a small pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Lower heat to a light simmer. Cover and cook for ~12 minutes. (Cooking times and liquid amounts may vary by brand – check your cooking instructions.)
3. At the very end, add the olives and other tablespoon of olive juice to the pot. Stir well and re-cover.
4. Once all the liquid is absorbed, top with a bit of fresh ground black pepper before serving. See, simple!

Serves 2-3.