This salad is perfect at a summer barbecue, great alongside all sorts of grilled meats and
vegetables. Make the couscous, onion, and raisin mix 1 day in advance, if you like, and keep separately in the fridge—just bring back to room temperature before serving.

Couscous, Cherry Tomato & Herb Salad

Serves: 4 
Prep time: 30 min 
Cook time: 15 min

Ingredients

• 1 1/2cups couscous
• 6tablespoons olive oil
• 2teaspoons ras el hanout
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 2/3cups boiling water
• 10ounces cherry tomatoes
• 2onions, sliced paper-thin
• 1/4cup golden raisins
• 1teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and lightly crushed
• 1/3cup roasted and salted almonds, roughly chopped
• 3/4cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 3/4cup mint leaves, roughly torn
• 1lemon (finely zest to get 1 teaspoon, then juice to get 1 tablespoon)

Directions

1. Place the couscous in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon ras el hanout, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and plenty of pepper, then pour in the boiling water. Stir, cover the bowl tightly with foil and set aside for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, fluff the couscous with a fork, and set aside to cool.
2. Put 1 tablespoon of oil into a large frying pan and place over high heat. Once hot, add the tomatoes and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring a few times, until they start to brown and split open. Remove from the pan, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and set aside with any juices.
3. Wipe the pan clean, then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and return to medium-high heat. Add the onions, the remaining 1 teaspoon of ras el hanout, and 1/8 teaspoon salt and fry for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring until dark golden brown and soft. Remove from the heat, stir in the raisins, and set aside to cool.
4. Once the couscous has cooled slightly, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the onion and raisin mix and stir. Add the cumin, almonds, cilantro, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a generous grind of pepper and mix gently.
5. Transfer to a serving platter, top with the tomatoes, and serve.

https://food52.com/recipes/77878-ottolenghi-s-couscous-cherry-tomato-herb-salad