In the best stories, the protagonist always has a foil to emphasize different facets of their personality. This is also true for the best meals. The main event needs contrast in order to shine, and a good side dish provides that contrast in spades.
This is a great side dish for anything grilled, but it’s particularly wonderful alongside red meat. It’s way healthier than mashed (or baked and loaded) potatoes, and it’s also easier to make. The tomatoes and cucumbers are juicy and fresh, reminiscent of summer even as it fades away. They contrast beautifully with the deep, rich meatiness of a grilled steak, making the meal as sublime as it is simple.
Cous cous is wonderful because it cooks in 5 minutes. And with this side dish, you can do all the rest of the prep work (chopping 2 tomatoes and a cucumber) in that short time. Because it requires almost no work, this dish would be perfect to double (or triple) for a crowd. Another reason it’s good for a party: it tastes even better the day after it’s made, so make it well ahead of time and then just let it hang out and do its thing in the fridge.
Serves 4.
Total cost: $5 ($1.25 per person). Price breakdown is approximate.
What you need:
- 1.5 c water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1.5 c cous cous, uncooked [$2]
- 2 roma tomatoes [$1]
- 1 cucumber [$0.80]
- 1 medium clove garlic [$0.10]
- 2 tbsp olive oil [$0.10]
- 3 tbsp lemon juice [0.10]
- Parsley, for garnish (optional)
What to do:
- In a saucepan, boil the water and salt. Remove from heat and add cous cous. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes while the cous cous absorbs the water.
- Meanwhile, chop the tomatoes and garlic, and peel and chop the cucumber.
- Fluff cous cous with a fork, and pour into a bowl. Refrigerate until cool, then add tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate until serving.
