Pip's Plate

This might have been my favorite recipe out of the whole weekend of the Creative Retreat. It was SOOOO good. And no modifications needed from the original epicurious recipe. Even better.

Israeli Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives

from epicurious

serves 6

For roasted tomatoes and dressing

2 pt red grape or cherry tomatoes (1 1/2 lb)

3 large garlic cloves, left unpeeled

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup warm water

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For couscous

2 3/4 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth if making vegetarian)

2 1/4 cups pearl (Israeli) couscous

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup Kalamata or other brine-cured black olives, pitted and chopped

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

Roast tomatoes and make dressing:

Preheat oven to 250°F.

Halve tomatoes through stem ends and arrange, cut sides up, in 1 layer in a large shallow (1-inch-deep) baking pan. Add garlic to pan and roast in middle of oven until tomatoes are slightly shriveled around edges, about 1 hour. Cool in pan on a rack 30 minutes.

Peel garlic and purée with oil, water, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup roasted tomatoes in a blender until dressing is very smooth.

Make couscous:

Bring broth to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan and stir in couscous, then simmer, uncovered, 6 minutes. Cover pan and remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes.

Spread couscous in 1 layer on a baking sheet and cool 15 minutes.

Transfer couscous to a bowl and stir in remaining ingredients, dressing, roasted tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.

Cooks’ note:

• Roasted tomatoes, dressing, and couscous can be made 1 day ahead and kept separately, covered and chilled. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.