Chicken Couscous with Dried Fruit

[nverland]

Chicken Couscous with Dried Fruit

Ingredients:
2 lemons
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ tsp. ground cumin
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
2 cups shredded roast chicken
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruits, such as pitted dates and apricots
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups couscous
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

Directions:
Grate 1 ½ tsp. zest from the lemons and squeeze ¼ cup juice. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, warm 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the garlic and onion are golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cinnamon, and then mix in the chicken, lemon zest and juice, dried fruits and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Stir in the couscous, re-cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand until the liquid is absorbed and the couscous is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cilantro and the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil. Toss with a fork to fluff the couscous and distribute the cilantro. Garnish with the almonds and serve. Serves 4.