Couscous With Dried Fruit And Pomegranates

In Eretz Yisrael, Tu B’Shevat is a veritable holiday. For weeks before, the nut stores and especially the shuk display an eye-catching variety of fresh and dried fruit. I am always astounded at the plethora of colors, smells, and shapes of all the interesting fruits. It is a true feast for the eyes! I created this recipe to showcase dried fruit, so popular at this time. The sweet-and-sour dressing uses date syrup, a favorite healthful sweetener. Pomegranates are used for garnishing.

Directions

1. Place couscous in a large bowl. Add the dried fruit and stir together.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Adjust to taste, if necessary. Pour over the couscous and mix together. Serve warm, garnished with pomegranate arils.

Notes:

You can substitute any grain for the couscous, for example, orzo, rice, or bulgur. They all work well. I used sesame oil because it marries well with soy sauce and adds a bit of intense flavor. Canola, olive, or corn oil can be subbed.