Garlic Lemon Couscous Cakes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup RiceSelect Original Couscous
• 1 cup water
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled
• 1/4 cup packed fresh mint
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Directions

Combine water and salt in saucepan; bring to a boil. Add couscous; cover and remove from heat. Allow to stand for 5 minutes.

Coarsely chop the garlic in a food processor. Add the mint and pulse until finely chopped. Add the chickpeas and remaining teaspoon salt and pulse until coarsely chopped.

Uncover the couscous and fluff with a fork.

In a large bowl, combine couscous, chickpea mixture, eggs, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined. Press the couscous mixture into a 1/4 measuring cup, smooth the top, and invert the measuring cup to release the cake onto a tray. Repeat with the remaining couscous mixture to make 8-9 cakes.

Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the mixture to set.

Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat until simmering.

Add about 5 of the couscous cakes to the skillet; use a spatula to lightly flatten to about 3/4-inch thickness.

Cook, flipping once, until the patties are crisp and golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked patties to a paper and keep warm. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and cook the remaining cakes the same way.