Ingredients
Emeril’s ESSENCE Creole Seasoning:
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 2/3 cup
Couscous:
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup small diced red onion or shallots
1/2 cup small diced carrot
1/2 cup currants
1 (10-ounce) package couscous
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
Set a 1-quart saucepan over high heat and add the water, red onions, carrots and currants. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. While the water boils, combine the remaining ingredients except the mint in a medium heat-proof bowl. Pour the water over the couscous in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to steam for 5 minutes, remove the plastic, add the mint and fluff with a fork. Serve hot.
Yield: about 4 cups
Preparation
Sauteed Cremini Mushrooms: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons minced shallots 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and once melted, add the shallots and garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, then add the mushrooms, thyme, salt and pepper. Continue to cook the mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, 7 to 8 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the balsamic vinegar and continue to cook until the vinegar has reduced by 1/2, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve the mushrooms spooned over the chicken and couscous.
Yield: about 1 1/2 cups
