"Savor the Middle East: Refreshing Fish Salad with Fluffy Qatari-Spiced Couscous!"

Fish Salad with Qatari-Spiced Couscous
A refreshing and flavorful salad featuring fish, couscous, and Qatari spices. Perfect for a light meal or as a vibrant side!

Ingredients:
For the Fish Salad:

2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or your choice)
1 lb fresh fish fillets (such as salmon, tilapia, or snapper)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint) for garnish
For the Qatari-Spiced Couscous:

1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/4 cups water or vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
Once the mixture is boiling, remove it from heat and stir in the couscous.
Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
While the couscous is resting, prepare the fish. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and paprika to create a marinade.
Brush the marinade over both sides of the fish fillets.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fish fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. (Alternatively, you can grill the fish for a smoky flavor.)
Remove the fish from the heat and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Add the cooked couscous to the bowl and mix gently to combine.
Top the salad with the sliced fish, garnishing with fresh herbs of your choice.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle any extra marinade or a splash of lemon juice over the assembled salad.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing twist.
Tips and Customization:
Fish Options: Feel free to substitute the fish with grilled shrimp, scallops, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Add-ins: Incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers or avocado for a twist. Dried fruits like raisins or pomegranates can add a nice sweetness.
Dressings: For additional flavor, mix in a yogurt or tahini dressing, or try a spicy harissa vinaigrette for a kick.
Make Ahead: Prepare the couscous and chop the vegetables in advance for a quick assembly. The flavors of the salad improve after sitting for a bit!
Spice Level: Adjust the level of spices to suit your taste; you can add chili flakes or fresh green chilies for some heat.
Enjoy this delicious combination of refreshing fish and spiced couscous, bringing a taste of the Middle East to your table! 🌍🍴