{"id":8832,"date":"2017-12-13T10:37:19","date_gmt":"2017-12-13T15:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/?p=8832"},"modified":"2019-12-11T02:15:21","modified_gmt":"2019-12-11T07:15:21","slug":"roasted-vegetables-peaches-couscous-salad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veganlovlie.com\/roasted-vegetables-peaches-couscous-salad\/","title":{"rendered":"Roasted Vegetables and Peaches Couscous Salad"},"content":{"rendered":"

The delicious sublime sweetness of juicy cling peaches<\/strong> compliments the earthiness of the roasted vegetables<\/strong> in this couscous salad<\/strong>. This hearty winter salad<\/strong> is more vegetable heavy than the light leafy summer ones that we enjoy during the warmer months. You can turn this salad into dinner itself or a packed lunch; otherwise it makes a delicious side dish at any holiday table.<\/p>\n

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Sweet and savoury is one of my favourite classic flavour combinations. Here\u2019s where a little kitchen alchemy can turn carefully selected yet simple ingredients into incredibly delectable dishes. I find peaches to be quite an interesting ingredient in that regard. In savoury dishes, they may probably not be an everyday ingredient but once tried, it\u2019s a combination that is unequivocally acquiesced. In this hearty couscous salad, they impart just the ideal sweet respite, bringing a refreshing flavour to complement the earthy vegetables amped by the spiciness of harissa.<\/p>\n

Fresh peaches disappear from the grocery store shelves all too quickly though, even before the summer comes to an end. Thankfully, they can be preserved and canned, ready to be enjoyed at any time. In fact, canned cling peaches are preferred here as they retain their shape, texture and flavour much better when roasted. The California cling peaches<\/a> that we get here in Canada are packed within 24 hours of picking, in fruit juice concentrate with no added preservatives. Hence, they retain much of their delightful flavour and nutritional value which means we get to enjoy them all throughout the year.<\/p>\n

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Couscous makes a good base for this winter salad. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with couscous, it is basically pasta that is broken up into little granules. It cooks almost instantly, which is great. In fact, it does not require any cooking at all, just rehydrated in hot water or vegetable broth. I used gluten-free corn couscous in this recipe. I was able to find it at my local grocery store in the healthy foodstuffs aisle. You can use regular or whole wheat couscous too. For other gluten-free options you could use quinoa or millet although, contrary to couscous, they would have to be cooked.<\/p>\n

This recipe is really quite versatile. So, take the freedom to be creative \u2013 you can add other veggies like aubergine (eggplant), red onions, butternut squash or pumpkin, cauliflower and how about some cooked lentils for some extra protein. In any case, don\u2019t leave out the peaches; they are the centre piece of this dish. This salad really is far greater than the sum of its parts. It is sure to spark interesting conversations among your guests if you decide to serve it at your holiday table.<\/p>\n

This recipe is part 1 of a series of 3 recipes using California cling peaches. Check out the other two recipes below:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Part 2\/3 \u2013 Peach Lassi<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a delectable spiced drink inspired from the famous mango lassi<\/p>\n

Part 3\/3 \u2013 Creamy Peach Ice Cream<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 no ice cream maker needed<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Watch the recipe video to whet your appetite!<\/h4>\n