Shrimp and Vegetable Couscous – Ancient and Easy

Couscous is a tiny, granular type of wheat pasta, which is as delicious, as it is simple to prepare. It's origins go back thousands of years and while usually considered a Moroccan dish, this is also a staple in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. The amazing thing about couscous is how fast it "cooks," and how versatile it is. This is one of those recipe clips that should give you lots of ideas regarding ways to vary it to create your own combinations. By the way, this is the "home" version, the real traditional method used to cook this dish uses a steamer called a "kiska," sometimes called a "couscoussier" in French cuisine.

A few very important keys as you watch the clip: Make sure the "grains" of the couscous are coated with the olive oil, as this will keep it fluffy and separate. Also, as soon as you pour the hot stock over the couscous, wrap with foil IMMEDIATELY and TIGHTLY, and don't touch it for 5 minutes! Most supermarket couscous will call for the basic 1 to 1 ratio of stock to dry couscous, but be sure to read the instructions.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Couscous
• 2 1/3 Cups Cold Water
• 1 Pound Raw Shrimp (With Shells)
• 1/2 Cup Diced Tomato
• 2 Green Zuchinni
• 1 Eggplant
• 1/2 Bunch Tarragon
• 1/2 Bunch Dill
• Pepper
• Salt
• Cayenne
• 1/3 Cup Olive Oil
• Lemon To Garnish