Couscous

Peas and chives really dress up this side dish.

Toasted pistachios, apricots, cinnamon and allspice bring great flavor to this accompaniment for the chicken.

Active time: 10 min Start to finish: 15 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.

Israeli couscous, sometimes known as pearl pasta, is available at Middle Eastern markets. You could also order it from Joan's on Third in Los Angeles; 323-655-2285.

Offer this meatless main-course salad with a basket of seeded flatbreads, steamed artichokes, and a lemon-mayo dipping sauce. Follow the meal with a bowl of apricots and some purchased baklava.

Couscous - Middle Eastern pasta - can be found in the international or specialty foods sections of most supermarkets.

An easy side dish that goes great with Peppered Beef slices with Green Onions and Radishes .

A U-shaped peeler with a horizontal blade (available at most supermarkets) makes peeling the squash easier. Here it’s okay to pulse the parsley in a food processor rather than chop it by hand, but pat it dry with paper towels first.

Active time: 30 min Start to finish: 30 min

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Couscous is easy to cook—just add it to boiling water, remove it from the heat, and let it stand for a few minutes until the water is absorbed. The addition of cinnamon, lemon peel, garbanzo beans and golden raisins gives this side dish a Mediterranean flair.

Warm pita bread would make a delicious accompaniment to this dish.