Vegetable Couscous - {Papa Al Couscous}

In a casserole set over moderate heat, warm the oil until it is hot. Add the garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until golden. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until softened.

Add the tomatoes, oregano, lemon pepper, herbes de Provence, and salt and pepper to taste, and cook the mixture, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes more.

Add the water, bouillon cubes, bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Add the couscous and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches porridge-like consistency, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice and parsley. Discard the bay leaves.

Serve the couscous drizzled with the extra virgin olive oil and dusted with freshly ground pepper.

This recipe yields 4 servings.