Go Back

Cheesy Couscous Bites with Tomato Dip

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of couscous 240ml
  • 1 cup of hot chicken or vegetable stock 240ml
  • 60 g /2oz cheddar grated
  • 30 g /1oz of parmesan grated
  • melted butter for brushing
  • for the sauce
  • 4 large vine tomatoes peeled and chopped
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic crushed
  • 1 tbs of mixed herbs
  • 1 splash of balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbs of tomato paste
  • 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock 240ml
  • 1 tbs of olive oil
  • black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add the couscous to a saucepan, cover with the 1 cup of hot chicken or vegetable stock, stir, add leave and leave for 5 mins.
  • Preheat oven to 200c, 400f (gas mark 6)
  • Add olive oil to a frying pan over a medium high heat
  • Add the onion and garlic and fry till softened
  • Add the tomatoes and simmer until they start to break down into a sauce.
  • Add the mixed herbs, tomato paste, splash of balsamic and stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, add lid and simmer for 30 mins, until sauce reduces down and thickens.
  • Fluff up the couscous with fork, add half of the tomato sauce and mix. Stir in the the cheddar and Parmesan.
  • With hands work all the mixture together and form into 15 mini bites. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment and spray over the top with spray oil, bake in the oven for 30 mins until lightly golden.
  • While the bites are cooking in the oven, add the remainder of the sauce to a blender and blend till smooth. (or you can leave it chunky for a more rustic sauce)
  • Serve the bites with the sauce on the side. Both the bites and sauce are delicious served hot or cold.