PEPPERY MEAT LOAF WITH COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
• Instant read thermometer.
• In a saucepan, bring water and beef stock to a boil. Gradually stir in couscous. Cover, remove from heat and set aside or let stand until couscous is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork before using.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, onion, bell pepper, parsley, eggs, all but 2 tablespoons of the tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, cayenne and couscous. Using your hands, mix until well blended. Transfer to loaf pan and spread remaining 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce over top. Bake in preheated oven until temperature reaches 165°F on a thermometer, about 1 hour. Makes 8 servings.
• VARIATION: Substitute spelt or barley couscous for the whole wheat version.
• TIP: For the best flavor, toast whole cumin and coriander seeds and grind them yourself. To toast seeds, spread in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a mortar or a spice grinder and grind.
• The Complete Whole Grains Cookbook.