Cous Cous with salmon and cherry tomatoes, a recipe that combines fresh Mediterranean flavors with a touch of exotic spices.
This dish is perfect for those looking for something light yet full of flavor, ideal for both a quick lunch and an elegant dinner. The sumac, with its slightly citrusy taste, gives the dish a unique character, while the cherry tomatoes and fresh salmon add sweetness and delicacy.
To flavor my cous cous, I chose sumac, which is a spice made from the dried berries of the Rhus coriaria plant, typical of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. It is known for its fresh and tangy taste, similar to lemon but with a more delicate and slightly fruity note. It’s a very versatile spice. In the Middle East, it’s used in dishes like fattoush (a salad with vegetables and pita bread) or as a seasoning for meats, fish, and grilled vegetables. It’s also often used in the spice mix za’atar, a seasoning that contains thyme, sesame, and, indeed, sumac. It’s perfect for enhancing hummus, yogurt, or for seasoning rice and cous cous dishes.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I’ve answered some questions about this preparation. If you have any other questions or curiosities, you can leave a comment or use the contact form found at the bottom of the page.
Other recipes you might like:
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, and Fall
Ingredients for Cous Cous with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 cup raw couscous
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5.3 oz smoked salmon
- 3.5 oz cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
- 1 sprig basil
- 1 tsp spices (sumac)
Tools
- Saucepan
- Bowl
Recipe for Cous Cous with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Start preparing the cous cous with salmon and cherry tomatoes by weighing the cous cous in a bowl.
Add a teaspoon of spices of your choice – I chose sumac – and mix with a spoon to combine everything.
Boil water in a saucepan or with a kettle (alternatively you can prepare vegetable broth). Salt the water and pour it into the bowl with the cous cous covering it completely.
Also add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Cover the bowl with the lid without sealing it or with a tea towel and wait 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes the cous cous will have absorbed all the water.
Fluff it with a fork and if you want add a bit more olive oil.
Season the cous cous: cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters or eighths, season them with a bit of salt and add them to the cous cous.
Chop the smoked salmon and put it in the bowl with the rest of the ingredients.
Add also a few basil leaves if you like.
Serve the cous cous with salmon and cherry tomatoes immediately or keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.
Cous Cous with Salmon and Cherry Tomatoes
Check this section to clear up your doubts, if you don’t find the answer to your question comment or write to me using the form below.
You can find this and other recipes in the collection Collection of lunchbox recipes, over 50 ideas for your office or university lunches
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?
Yes, you can replace salmon with other fish like fresh tuna, cod, or swordfish. Each fish will give a different nuance to the dish, so choose what you prefer!
I can’t find sumac, is there an alternative?
If you can’t find sumac, you can replace it with a pinch of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to give an acidic touch to the dish. However, sumac has a unique taste that I recommend trying if possible.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cous cous in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
Is the dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Traditional cous cous contains gluten, but you can easily replace it with a gluten-free cous cous made from corn or quinoa. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
You can find all the recipes with cherry tomatoes in the collection Recipes with Cherry Tomatoes.
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
[contact-form-7 id=”d8b7d03″ title=”Contact Me”]
