Herb Pearled Couscous

I just read a compelling article about two women who were misdiagnosed as schizophrenic only to uncover, many years later, both were suffering from the autoimmune disease lupus. Although the Washington Post article never made mention of it, both women were of color – one Black, the other Latinx. The incredible story is encouraging but infuriating at the same time. These women lost significant portions of their lives due to medical negligence. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia despite the fact that overall Whites are more likely to have a serious mental health issue. I use, not abuse, food as a balm during stressful periods and Herb Pearled Couscous has become a reliable comfort.

At the height of the pandemic, after consulting with a physician, I discovered I was gluten-intolerant. In fact I developed a sensitivity to a number of foods I’d enjoyed for 55 years. I was unable to breathe well in March of 2020 so I went to an emergency room where I was quickly admitted into the hospital. Due to my age, and race, I was checked into a cardiology unit. Following every EKG, echocardiogram, and nuclear stress test known to science, it was determined my heart was fine. But I still was unable to breathe well. Because I seen a PBS special about the initial response to the Covid epidemic in Seattle, I asked for an Albuterol treatment and a new attending physician. They brought in the closest person to Black, a young man of Indian descent who told me he did his residency at Detroit Mercy Hospital. What if you had not been available I asked him – it should not require this much effort for decent care. The white female physician I dismissed wrote on my chart that I had mental health issues because I repeatedly asked for a Covid test – in March of 2020. The young woman had done her residency in the 96% Black city of Jackson, Mississippi hospital where my Grandmother and beloved Aunt died both too soon.

After a few years, I began to notice I could eat small to moderate amounts of say tree nuts or gluten without experiencing severe itching, or gastrointestinal pain. To my delight, because I am slowly returning to normal, I was eager to add simple carbs back into my life, albeit, again, moderately. I still eat gluten free spaghetti and pasta but occasionally I crave the dopamine hit from wheat – which is how I came to prepare Herb Pearled Couscous. Ready in 15 minutes, this side dish extraordinaire pairs wonderfully with Simple Spring Scallops, Crispy Chicken with Garlic & Rosemary , or Green Sauce Salmon. Advocate for yourselves by getting second and third medical opinions my friends. Stay healthy!

Herb Pearled Couscous

Herb Pearled Couscous is pasta bathed in olive oil, basil, oregano, a dash of dried cilantro, parmesan and butter. Serve with seafood, poultry, beef or lamb.

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Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine African American, American, Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 Medium Saucepan
• 1 Large Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1½ cups Water
• 1 cup Pearled Couscous I buy it in the bulk section.
• 1 Edwards & Sons Not-Beef Bouillon Cube
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1½ tsp Garlic Powder
• 1½ tsp Onion Powder
• ½ White Pepper Black Pepper may be substituted.
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Dried Cilantro
• ¼ tsp Oregano
• 1 tbsp Butter Vegans use a butter substitute or omit.
• 1 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Vegans omit.

Instructions

 

• Bring water to a rapid boil in saucepan.
• Add the couscous and the next 8 ingredients.
• Stir and reduce heat to low.
• Allow to cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated.
• Remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmesan.
• Serve immediately.

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