kebab n couscous

I love Israeli couscous...almost like perfectly round rice, it is great in salads and Middle Eastern dishes.  Pair that with a Kofta kabob and a light beer and you have the perfect warm weather dish

Kofta:
1lb ground lamb
2T. crushed garlic
1/4c. minced onion
1tsp. cumin
1T. chopped cilantro
1T. chopped parsley
1tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
skewers (if they are bamboo you need to soak them to prevent fires)

Incorporate all of the above together thoroughly and form into large meatballs. Refrigerate until set (at least one hour)  Flatten slightly and place on skewers.  Grill or bake at 350 for about 8minutes.  Serve with plain yogurt or tzitziki sauce on the side

Couscous Salad

2cups israeli couscous
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1T. crushed garlic
3 chopped scallions
1/2 minced red pepper
1T. chopped parsley
1cup diced tomato
1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives if you like 'em
1/4 cup feta cheese (if you like it)

Dressing
1/4 cup OJ
1/4 cup of olive oil
1/2 tsp cardamom
1tsp salt
1/2 tsp. lime zest
1tsp. honey

Boil broth and add couscous for 1 min.  Remove from heat until couscous has absorbed all fluid.  Cool.  Add remaining ingredients and toss.  For Dressing: whisk the ingredients together and toss with the salad.  Can add mandarin oranges if you are into that...

Serve together...it is fab.