My old boss used to say, “The devil’s in the details”. He wasn’t much of a foodie but his advice totally rings true in the culinary world. The difference between good and bad can often be in the little things that most people overlook. Take for instance a humble side dish of couscous.

Profile

Serves: Side dish for two

Weight: 0.25kg

Volume:  200ml

Kilojoules:  3,000

Cost: $3.00

Time: 15 min

Ingredients

50g dried dates finely chopped
1 handful mint – finely chopped
1 pinch of orange zest
50g flaked almonds
1/2 cup couscous
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper

Method

This one is simplicity itself, just bring half a cup of water to the boil add a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt then remove from the heat. Pour in the couscous and stir then cover and allow to stand for three minutes. Stir with a fork to separate the grains then mix in the dates, mint and almonds. Season to taste and serve with a garnish of orange zest.