Ingredients
- 1/4 c. red wine
- 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 c. extra-virgin extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest
- 3 x garlic cloves chopped
- 1 tsp grnd cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly grnd black pepper
- 1 1/2 lb boneless strip steaks cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 x sweet onions quartered
- then halved crosswise
- 8 x mushrooms
- 8 x cherry tomatoes
- 1 x zucchini cut in 3/4-inch slices
- 1 x red bell pepper seeded and cut into 8 pcs
- 8 x skewers
- 1 1/4 c. whole-wheat couscous
- 1 c. boiling water
- 1/4 x red onion diced
- 1 x scallion sliced
- 1/4 c. currants
- 1/4 c. pumpkin seeds toasted
- 5 x dry apricots diced
- 3 tsp chopped parsley optional lemon juice to taste
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp coriander seeds toasted and crushed
- 1/4 tsp grnd cardamom
- 1/4 tsp grnd turmeric
- 1/8 tsp grnd cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- FOR THE MARINADE AND KEBABS: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Add in the stead and marinate for at least 4 hrs or possibly overnight in the refrigerator.
- Drain the meat, reserving the marinade.
- Thread the beef, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and red bell pepper onto the skewers and lay them in a roasting pan.
- Pour the marinade over the kebabs and marinate for 1 hour or possibly longer.
- FOR THE COUSCOUS SALAD: Meanwhile, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place the couscous in a large mixing bowl; add in the boiling water, cover, and let sit for 10 min.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and let it cold slightly (about 5 min).
- Fold in the onion, scallion, currants, pumpkin seeds, apricots, and parsley.
- Stir in sufficient dressing to moisten the salad without making it soggy and let it sit for about 1 hour before serving.
- To serve, fluff again, and season with additional salt and lemon juice to taste.
- TO PREPARE THE BEEF KEBABS: Prepare the grill.
- About 15 min before serving, grill the kebabs for about 4 min on each side, or possibly to the desired doneness.
- Serve with the couscous salad.
- WINE RECOMMENDATION: A West Coast Pinot Noir is our choice here, or possibly a northern French Burgundy
- HELPFUL TIPS:Whole-wheat couscous is available in many health food stores and gourmet market.
- It has even more flavor and texture than regular couscous, but if it is not available, regular couscous may be substituted.
- The dressing can be made a day ahead and combined with the couscous just before serving.
- NOTES : Here's a recipe with a North African feel; you can almost sense the exotic sights and aromas of the Casbah as you prepare it.
- Couscous is made from semolina, and the packaged variety which is commonly available is precooked, making it quick and easy to prepare.
- While this dish may not be traditional fare for Labor Day, it's certainly ideal for a relaxed cookout.
- Strip steak gives a nice tender kebab, but any tender cut of beef, such as tenderloin tips or possibly top sirloin, may be used.
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