Herb couscous nest with stuffed tomato and micro green recipes

## Component 1: The Herb Couscous Nest

The key to a "nest" is fluffiness. You want the grains separated and infused with green herb oils.

* **1 cup** Couscous

* **1 cup** Boiling vegetable stock

* **1/2 cup** Fresh herbs (Parsley, Chives, and Dill), finely minced

* **2 tbsp** Extra virgin olive oil

* **1/2 tsp** Lemon zest

**Instructions:**

1. Place couscous in a bowl, pour over the boiling stock, and cover immediately with plastic wrap. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2. **Fluff:** Use a fork to separate the grains completely.

3. **Infuse:** Fold in the minced herbs, olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. The herbs should be so finely chopped they "dye" the couscous slightly green.

---

## Component 2: The Stuffed Tomato

These act as the "eggs" or centerpieces of your nest.

* **4-6 medium** Vine-ripened tomatoes (or large campari tomatoes)

* **Stuffing:** * **1/2 cup** Ricotta or cooked Quinoa (for a vegan/textured option)

* **2 tbsp** Toasted pine nuts

* **1 tbsp** Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

* **1/2 tsp** Smoked paprika

**Instructions:**

1. **Prep:** Slice the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the seeds/flesh with a small spoon. Sprinkle the insides with salt and turn them upside down on a paper towel for 10 minutes to drain.

2. **Fill:** Mix your stuffing ingredients together and pack them tightly into the tomato cavities.

3. **Cook:** Roast at **190°C (375°F)** for 12–15 minutes until the tomato skin just begins to wrinkle but the structure remains firm.

---

## Component 3: The Microgreen "Brush"

This adds the final layer of realism to the nest.

* **1 cup** Microgreens (Arugula, Radish, or Pea shoots work best for their "twiggy" appearance)

* **Dressing:** A simple spray of lemon juice and a drop of white balsamic.

---

## Plating Art: The Construction

1. **The Foundation:** Place a mound of herb couscous in the center of a wide, shallow bowl.

2. **The Well:** Use the back of a spoon to create a deep indentation in the center of the couscous.

3. **The Nesting:** Arrange the microgreens around the rim of the couscous, letting some strands hang over the edge to look like a natural nest.