A fluffy and versatile couscous! People forget that different types have different absorbencies, so you need to keep an eye on the amount of liquid added. Like seasoning, you can always add more liquid, but you can never take it away.
Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Roast the vegetables first. Place all the chopped vegetables on to an oven tray, sprinkle over the garlic, thyme and olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, making sure all the ingredients are coated and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until slightly browned on the edges. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the vegetables to cool a little. Leave the oven turned on.
Place the couscous in a medium-sized bowl. Add the spices, season with salt and pepper and stir well. Pour over the hot vegetable stock, stir once more and cover the bowl with cling film for the couscous to steam and the water to be absorbed.
After 5 minutes, remove the cling film and fluff up the mixture with a fork. Spread the couscous out on an oven tray and place back in the oven for 5 minutes to dry out a little. Combine the couscous and the roasted vegetables together in a large bowl. Add the herbs, olive oil, lemon juice and zest and mix well. Taste and season with salt and pepper again if needed.
Place on a large plate or in a large bowl, perfect for sharing, and sprinkle over the toasted pine nuts.
