Incorporating a Cultural Favorite into EatWell Meal Kits

by Adriana Katekawa, Culinary and Education Directo

I’m very excited to share with you our newest recipe: Couscous with Roasted Veggies and Feta cheese. We roast butternut squash, peas, parsnips, broccoli and add them to a flavorful base of couscous seasoned with our spice mixes, a tangy touch of feta cheese, and a sweet addition of raisins. 

I love how couscous is handy as much as I love its origins and what they culturally represent. “Couscous” can refer to the grain product, usually made from semolina, as well as to the dish made from it.

Couscous originated around the 13th century with the Berbers and today is an essential part of North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. In 2020, UNESCO approved a joint bid from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia to include “The knowledge, know-how, and practices related to the production and consumption of couscous” into the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Because couscous is very present in the daily life of communities of these countries and part of their social celebrations and rituals, it’s believed that there are as many recipes for couscous as there are families. But everyone will say, “the best couscous is my mother’s.” 

That said, try your version of EatWell’s and make it special for the week, replacing your typical starch (rice, potato, or pasta) for more variety and excitement during dinner time!