I have a quaint little potted herb garden….well, I had a quaint little potted herb garden. The cruel Texas heat has murdered most of my herbs. I began with seven variations, but only two have survived: basil and chives. My father (a landscaper) would be so disappointed. I don’t know if I have developed a love for basil because of its fresh and sweet taste, or because it simply survived. Either way, Allen’s addition of basil to this simple couscous dish sounds amazing!

Allen talks about how couscous serves as the perfect replacement for white rice or pasta on his blog, Eating Out Loud. Couscous is becoming increasingly more popular as a starch replacement; it also has the benefit of being high in fiber, and as Allen says, “it doesn’t taste like bark or twigs.” I’ve been a long-time fan of couscous, so I can’t wait to try this recipe out! It doesn’t hurt that I get to incorporate my surviving basil too! (If it’s still alive when I get home!)