Lemony Couscous with Creamy Sorrel Sauce by Allen Neighborhood Center

Inspired by GirlandtheKitchen.com and SeattleTimes.com

Ingredients

Couscous: 1 cup pearl couscous 1 tbsp of butter Bulb and stem of Veggie box ramps, thinly sliced and roots removed (reserve leaves) Zest of half a lemon (plus more for garnish) 1 1/4 cup stock or water 1/4 Parmesan (shredded plus more for garnish) Sorrel Sauce: Full share Veggie Box sorrel, cut into thin strips 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper, to taste Pinch of cayenne and/or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Heat small pot with a tablespoon of butter, sliced ramp bulbs, and the zest of half a lemon.

Over medium heat, we are going to melt the butter and let the butter get infused with the flavors of the ramps and the lemon zest. Give this about 3 minutes. You are sweating the aromatics, not browning them.



Throw in a cup of your pearl couscous and toss everything together, ensuring your couscous is covered by the ramp and butter mixture. Essentially you are toasting them a bit. Do this for about 2 minutes.



Pour in 1 and 1/4 cups of chicken or veggie broth/stock or water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered for 10 minutes.



Fluff with a fork. This will ensure you have light and fluffy individual grains. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and mix with a fork. Top it with the following sorrel sauce, in a bowl with some more lemon zest and sprinkle of shredded parmesan.

Wash sorrel and remove stems and any woody ribs. Roll leaves into cigar shape and thinly slice.



In a large saucepan, melt butter. Add sorrel and cook, stirring, over medium heat until it melts into a purée — 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the cream. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes while adding seasonings. Sauce should thicken. Stir into couscous.



I recommend serving this with the your reserved ramp leaves, sautéed, and some roasted asparagus, chopped, for a Veggie Box feast!