Schedules, Ancient Egyptian Sculptures and Dinner: Tilapia, Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Couscous

Tilapia, Chickpea Salad and Couscous
Tilapia, Chickpea Salad and Couscous

The day was scheduled for a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, walk around Central Park, stop by a grocery store and cook a quick meal. It was a good plan for a mild, sunny day. As one would figure out, weekend plans are rarely carried out when different variables come into play.

The trip to the museum turned out to be a headache, because the trains were problematic. Upon our arrival at the museum, our nerves were quickly soothed upon entering the ancient Egyptian exhibit. People in that time period, spanning thousands of years ago, had a beautiful style seen in their clothes, architecture and art. The bolts of linen, miniature sculptures, jewelry and thong sandals are still styles in our culture today. Even their cooking utensils were elegantly carved. We were so intrigued with the exhibit; Central Park was seen from a window.

As the sun was setting, the temperatures were declining to remind us that it was still early spring. We were too tired to stop at a grocery store en route home. Saving the grocery list for another day, we ate out instead. The day’s schedule didn’t work out well, but it was nice to share a bottle Pinot Noir while talking about the ancient Egyptian exhibit.

The next day, another plan was set into action after leaving work. A quick stop to the grocery store and making a simple meal by the early evening was a goal. Again, more subway problems occurred, for the train was stalled in a station for 15 to 20 minutes. The grocery store lines snaked around the aisles. Dinner started when day turned into night. Luckily, this meal was fast to prepare. Including the prepping time, it was served in 30 to 45 minutes. It was the planning that took forever.

Chickpea Salad with Fennel and Tomatoes

Ingredients
1-14 oz. can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
2 to 3 plum tomatoes, roughly chopped
½ cup fennel, roughly chopped (bottom portion)
1 cup Italian parsley, roughly chopped
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
The juice of one lemon
¼ to ½ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ tsp. paprika
Crushed red pepper, to taste
¼ tsp. turmeric
2 to 3 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. of honey*

Directions
1. Gently toss first six ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Whisk the rest of the ingredients to make the vinaigrette.

3. Mix the salad and the vinaigrette together. Set aside to marinate.

*Note: If tomatoes are in season or naturally sweet, omit the honey

Couscous

Ingredients
2 cups of water or chicken stock
1 cup couscous
1 tbsp. butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf

Directions
1. Bring water or chicken stock to a boil.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients and turn off heat.

3. Let sit for at least 5 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork. Set aside.

Simple Tilapia

Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 lb. Tilapia fillets, seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon juice
The juice of one to two lemons
Salt and pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper, to taste
¼ cup vermouth

Directions
1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

2. Add red onion and sauté until translucent.

3. Add Tilapia fillets, lemon juice, red pepper, salt, pepper and vermouth.

4. Cover with a lid and cook until desired tenderness.

5. Serve with couscous, chickpea salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt and lemon wedges.

Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art or support your local art museum.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Graffiti circa 1880s, NYC Represent
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Graffiti circa 1880s, NYC Represent
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ancient Egyptian Sculpture

2 thoughts on “Schedules, Ancient Egyptian Sculptures and Dinner: Tilapia, Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Couscous

  • April 1, 2010 at 12:32 am
    Permalink

    Hi, Deana! Only you, who writes these beautiful food blogs based on history, would know the the name of the temple. I should’ve taken notes as I was strolling around the exhibit.

  • March 25, 2010 at 6:21 am
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    The temple of Dendur is one of my favorite places in NYC. When it is a slow day and there aren’t many people it is so peaceful. I have also been to a party there at night and it is magical.
    Love your dish… very appropriate after a visit to Egypt!

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