Fresh Herbed Couscous

Garden Fresh Couscous

2 c. chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder
1 c. 5-minute plain couscous
1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed), drained and diced
1/4 c. sliced green onions, tops included
2 T minced fresh basil
2 T sun-dried tomato vinaigrette
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat chicken broth to boiling and stir in Garlic powder. Place couscous in a large heat-proof bowl. Stir in garlic chicken broth, cover, and let steam for 5 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and gently stir in sun dried tomatoes, green onions, basil, and sun dried tomatos vinaigrette. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fluff again with a fork and serve hot.

Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette

2 sun dried tomato halves
1-1/2 T balsamic vinegar
1-1/2 T red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced and mashed to a paste with 1/2 t salt
1/3 c olive oil
1 T fresh basil leaves, minced

In a saucepan simmer the sun dried tomatoes in water for 3 minutes until tender, drain and mince.Whisk together the tomatoes, the vinegar, and the garlic paste. Add the olive oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the vinaigrette until it is well blended, stir in the basil.