Meatless Monday: Mediterranean Couscous

Ingredients:

1 cup couscous

1 cup boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

4 green onions, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1 pinch salt

1 pinch ground black pepper

1 dash balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Stir couscous into boiling water and return water to a boil. Cover and remove pot from heat. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. While the couscous is cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic, green onions and peppers; sauté briefly. Stir in tomatoes, basil, cooked couscous, salt and pepper. Mix together and transfer to a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Splash some balsamic vinegar on top.
4. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while still warm.