Israeli couscous with sun-dried tomato

I am a big fan of couscous. It's delicious, filling, and it takes about 8 minutes to make. That being said, I've never tried Israeli (the pearled variety) couscous before. I've seen it on grocery shelves, and on the rare restaurant menu, but I had never taken the initiative to stray from my good friend, the common small ground semolina. So as I walked through Kroger and Whole Foods last week, I pieced together quite an entertaining dinner with the neglected grain and a big batch of sun-dried tomatoes, plus some beans, fresh basil, and garlic.

Ingredients
16 oz. pearled couscous
16 oz. red beans, cooked and rinsed
1 1/2 - 2 cups sun-dried tomatoes, cut into 1/4'' pieces
6 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tbsp  basil, finely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil, divided in two
4 cups water

Directions
1. In a large pot, combine water and 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, place over high heat
2. In a small dish, combine tomatoes, garlic, beans and basil with remaining olive oil
3. When water begins to boil, add couscous and bring down to a simmer
4. Allow couscous to simmer for 6 minutes, remove from heat, cover, let stand 10 minutes
5. Pour couscous into serving bowl, add the mixed ingredients onto the couscous, stir well
6. Serve! (Makes 4-5 servings)

Sun dried Tomato Hummus

Hummus is definitely near the top of the list of  tastiest things you can make in 5 minutes, especially when you throw in some extra flavors. My personal favorite is sun dried tomato hummus, and I make it all the time. It's quick, delicious, high in protein... what's not to love?

Ingredients:
32 oz. cooked chick peas
12 oz. sun dried tomato (I buy mine jarred in olive oil) 
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tahini
5 kalamata olives
1 tbsp lemon juice

1. In a blender or food processor, combine ingredients. Blend until smooth.

How easy is that? Too easy. You can't mess it up. And it tastes amazing! You can use it as a spread, a dip, the main ingredient in a sandwich, or whatever you can dream of. Enjoy!