Midday at Old Nan’s Manor, when the sun casts its warm embrace over the tranquil gardens and the vibrant chatter of guests mingles with the whispers of the wind. The Kitchen, once a sanctuary of morning solitude, transforms into a bustling hub of midday preparations. Yes, the morning’s grumpiness may have lifted, but in its place, a symphony of clinking pots and the chorus of culinary experimentation fills the air.
Guests of all races and backgrounds assemble, eager to savor the culinary delights, their tastes as diverse as the Realm itself. A challenge for most, yet an adventure for one steadfast halfling. I, Wilbur, embrace the flurry of activity, reluctantly taking on the role of a gracious host.
As I navigate the culinary chaos, an elven visitor enters the Kitchen with an air of elegant curiosity. They offer a respectful salute, their eyes filled with a spark of intrigue. ‘Wilbur,’ they say with a gentle grace, ‘I’ve heard tell of your remarkable talents. I have a request, one that no chef has ever fulfilled to my satisfaction. Can you prepare Galadriel’s Lemon and Herb Couscous Salad? I’m rather suspicious that your skills might also fall short of the mark.’
The audacity of elves and their unquenchable pursuit of culinary perfection! But I, Wilbur, will not be outdone. I wave a spatula in defiance. ‘Get out, you elf with your haughty expectations!’ I retort, a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
Once the interloper is safely expelled from the Kitchen, I proceed to prepare the challenging dish. After all, who needs praise from an elf when my own standards are perfection? So, dear readers, join me in the creation of this vibrant elven masterpiece, a pinch of halfling charm and a dash of stubborn pride.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: A Burst of Flavor
In a saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, and cover it. Let the couscous soak up the broth and fluff it with a fork. This simple step adds a burst of flavor to the couscous, as if each grain were kissed by the sun itself.
Step 2: Embrace the Zest
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra virgin olive oil. Embrace the zest that infuses your dressing with an invigorating citrus touch. It’s a dance of flavors you’ll adore.
Step 3: Fresh & Fragrant
Mix the couscous with the fresh parsley, mint, and green onions. This combination of herbs adds a touch of freshness and fragrance to the dish, capturing the essence of an elven garden.
Step 4: Cool as a Cucumber
Gently fold in the diced cucumber, bringing a cool, crisp contrast to the salad that reflects the elegance of the elven palate.
Step 5: Cherry Tomato Love
Last but not least, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the mix. These tiny bursts of flavor are like little gems of sunlight, filling the dish with their rosy radiance.
Step 6: Dress to Impress
Drizzle the zesty lemon dressing over the salad and toss it gently to ensure each component is coated with the elixir of flavor.
Step 7: Season with Care
Season your creation with salt and pepper to taste, a final touch to ensure your dish is balanced to perfection.
Step 8: Savor the Symphony
The elven delicacy, Galadriel’s Lemon and Herb Couscous Salad, is now ready. Serve it with a hint of elegance and enjoy the symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. It’s an enchanting experience that transports you to the heart of the elven realm.
Note: The leftovers of this salad, if there are any, are perfect for a light, refreshing snack later in the day.
Embrace the elven spirit with this enchanting dish, savoring the beauty of flavors created with care and a touch of magic. Whether you’re an elven epicurean or a curious traveler, Galadriel’s Lemon and Herb Couscous Salad brings a taste of the ethereal to your midday meal. So, gather your companions, serve this exquisite salad, and let your taste buds dance in the elven melody of taste and aroma. A true elven delight, perfect for your midday feast in a realm of adventure and wonder. Enjoy every bite, and may the grace of the elves fill your day. Remember, this is the best version of the salad you’ll ever taste, and don’t let any elf tell you otherwise.
