Quick & Easy...

Many times we get home and think..."I am too tired- let me get some food to go" but that is NOT necessary. The trick is to keep a couple ingredients at all times so that a simple and quick meal can come together in a matter of minutes. Yes, it is possible! So, without further mumbo jumbo...Here are a couple recipes for side dishes that are healthy and fast to put together. I personally would eat this alone, but you can serve it with chicken or fish or whatever you want.



Couscous Salad
What you need: (4-5 servings)
1 1/2 Cups of water
1 Tsp evoo
1 Cup cherry tomatos, quartered or whole
5 Tbsp sliced kalamata olives
4 Oz Feta cheese, crumbled
Chopped fresh italian flat leave parsley

How to Make:
Bring water and olive oil to boil. Remove from heat and add couscous, gently stir, cover and let sit for 2 minutes. Uncover and fluff with a fork. Add the rest of the ingredients plus dressing, and stir. Serve hot or room temp.

Dressing:
2 Tbsp evoo
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 Tsp Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

How to Make: Whisk all ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.

A word on couscous: It is usually made from semolina wheat and wheat flour. Its origins are believed to go as far as the 13th century, and it is of North African descent. Believe it or not it is healthier than some pasta and rice products. Some companies sell it with a packet of seasoning ready to be added to the boiling water, giving it the perfect flavor.



Seasoned Green Beans (4 servings)
What you need:
1 Cup of green beans
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp evoo
1 Tsp of red wine vinegar
1/2 Tsp of garlic powder
1/2 Cup of sliced baby portabella mushrooms

How to make:
On a med-high heat, place a pan with the evoo (extra virgin olive oil) and the green beans. When you hear the sizzle, add all of the ingredients and stir for 3 minutes. BE CAREFUL when you add the vinegar, the smell can be strong, so do not directly smell it. Serve hot.

Get cooking! Enjoy!