Couscous

Couscous is frequently thought of as a grain, but it's actually a pasta. This is more apparent in rounds of toasted Israeli couscous, which are larger and chewier than the familiar Moroccan kind. Try this dish with chicken or fish.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

A great way to make a different and light meal with leftover lamb.

Couscous - Middle Eastern pasta - can be found in the international or specialty foods sections of most supermarkets.

Offer this healthful Moroccan grain dish as a main course or as an accompaniment to roasted chicken.

Stir some chopped fresh mint into yogurt for a cool topping on sliced tomato and cucumber salad, with warm pita bread alongside. Pistachio ice cream on sweetened orange segments is perfect afterward.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Currants, roasted peppers, chick-peas, olives, green onions and cilantro add color and flavor to this portable salad. To start, dip wedges of pita bread into store-bought hummus (a creamy puree of chick-peas and sesame paste, available at Middle Eastern markets). A slightly chilled Beaujolais or lemonade is a refreshing beverage choice.

This meatless salad combines couscous with roasted eggplant, zucchini, red bell pepper and leeks. Cooked sausage may be added to make it heartier. Serve with rolls or baguette slices and iced tea or white wine.

An easy side dish that goes great with Peppered Beef slices with Green Onions and Radishes .

This quick side dish goes well with fish, such as arctic char, or grilled chicken.

The Moroccan theme continues with this delicious salad and the vegetable kebabs .

This golden curry cooks quickly, so the vegetables are just tender. A flourish of mint adds the final spark.

This couscous with coriander seeds and apricots is a nice alternative to rice. Try it with roasted chicken or vegetables.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Toasted pistachios, apricots, cinnamon and allspice bring great flavor to this accompaniment for the chicken.