Something Quick for a Weeknight

My best friend in the entire world, who just recently announced her pregnancy, calls me at least once a week to ask for a quick meal idea to prepare for herself and her husband. It's always a flattering surprise, as she is quite an accomplished foodie herself. She and I first started cooking together our senior year of college, often over multiple bottles of cheap wine and with more than a few burned desserts. She abandoned me for Manhattan, where she really developed a palate for international cuisine, and an appreciation for quick, but delicious cuisine.

Here's a menu I suggested a couple of weeks ago. It may have been longer than that, before it started to chill down for the season, but I wanted to share. 

Couscous for Company

Serves 6

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

2 cups dried couscous

3 cups chicken or vegetable stock, boiling

1 cup chopped red onion

1 cup diced carrot

½ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all vegetables and couscous in a large, heat-proof bowl.  Top with boiling stock. Season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly and allow to stand for 7-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Pides (Turkish style pizza)

Serves as many as you prepare for

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

 I prefer this recipe with fresh pizza dough, but it is almost as good with store-bought refrigerated dough. Please try this one... you'll really enjoy it.

Prepared toppings (you can get these from the deli, or make them ahead). Examples...

Artichoke Hearts

Browned Sausage

Grilled Chicken Strips

Sauteed Mushrooms

Sun Dried Tomatoes

Feta Cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

Basil Leaves

You get the idea...

Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. If you have pizza stone, great! If not, a parchment lined sheet pan is fine. Form the dough into the shape of miniature canoes. Bake for 5 minutes just to set the shape. Blend your preferred toppings with some cheese of your choice (to help make it sticky). Fill the canoe with your toppings and bake again for 15-20 minutes, until melted and heated through and the dough is crisp and done. I almost never add tomato sauce, but it's up to you. One of these pides can usually serve two, but it's always nice to make your own and take half to work for lunch the next day.

If you try this, please let me know! I love to get ideas as to new toppings I can add to my pides, which I will be making for a date night later in the week!