Mushrooms and Couscous

Mushrooms and Couscous

(Mushrooms lend a meaty taste and texture to this satisfying vegetarian entrée)

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds small whole white mushrooms
1-1/2 cups couscous
1-pound can stewed tomatoes
1-pound can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
cup diced onions
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1-1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 cups water
2 pinches cayenne pepper

Instructions:
Quickly rinse and dry the mushrooms, and trim off the ends of the stems. Cut any large mushrooms in half.

Coat a large nonstick wok or 12-inch skillet with olive-oil cooking spray and preheat over medium to medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and cook, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.

While the mushrooms are cooking, place the couscous into a bowl, cover with water (just above the couscous) and cover with a tight lid of glad wrap/cling film. Leave for around 10-15 minutes and then fork up. Add more water if necessary. There is no need to boil but if you prefer this method, do so by placing the water in a 1-quart saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the couscous and cover. Remove from the heat, and allow to sit for 5 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed.

Using a knife, slightly cut up the tomatoes in the can. Add the tomatoes, beans, and cayenne pepper to the mushroom mixture. Stir to mix, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until heated through.

Stir the parsley into the couscous. Divide the couscous among individual serving plates, and top with the stew. Serve immediately, as is or topped with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.