A char-grilled red pepper adds a light smokey flavour to this dish, which works well with the garlic in the spinach and the tangy lemon wedges.
4 tomatoes, cut into eighths
2 handfuls of spinach
1 red pepper
1 small clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped
200g couscous
Olive oil
Few leaves of basil, torn
Juice of 1/4 lemon
Sea salt and black pepper
Vegetarian:1/2 pack halloumi, sliced
Meat-eater: 1 chicken breast
Place the red pepper directly onto a flame for 20mins, turning every 5mins until the red pepper is almost completely black. (alternatively grill it until a similar effect takes place). Put the char-grilled pepper in an air-tight plastic bag leaving the skin to steam. Remove after 10mins and delicately scrape off the char-grilled skin, leaving you with a soft flesh. Slice the pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and season before setting aside.
Meanwhile marinate the tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, basil and plenty of salt and pepper.
V: Fry the halloumi in a non-stick frying pan for a few minutes on each side until it browns.
M: Place a square of clingfilm over the top of the chicken and bash a few times until it's about 1inch thick. Remove the clingfilm, season the chicken, heat a little olive oil in a frying pan and fry for about 3 minutes on each side. Cut into slices before serving.
To cook the spinach, place the garlic in a glug of olive oil while it's still cold (I find this stops it from burning). Fry the garlic lightly over a medium heat, stir in the spinach and cook for a few minutes.
When you are ready to assemble the salad, first place the couscous in a large bowl, gently pour over boiling water until it just covers the couscous, drizzle with olive oil and season. Give the bowl a gentle shake to ensure the water is evenly distributed and cover with a lid for 5mins. Use a fork to fluff the couscous before serving.
To serve the salad, distribute the couscous between two bowls, layer the tomatoes, peppers, spinach and your V or M option along with a wedge of lemon.
