Israeli Couscous with Pistachios and Dried Fruit

2 T vegetable oil
3 - cloves garlic, minced
2 C Israeli couscous
2 1/2 C water
1 - cinnamon stick
1 t ground cumin
1/4 t ground cardamom
1/4 t ground black pepper
1/2 t salt
1 - lime, zest of
1/4 C fresh mint, chopped
1/2 C dried fruit of choice
1/2 C shelled pistachios
1/2 - lime, juice of

Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Saute the garlic in the oil for one minute. Add the couscous, raise the heat to medium, and stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until the couscous starts to toast.

Add the water, cinnamon stick, cumin, cardamom, pepper, salt, and lime zest. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, lower the heat again to as low as possible and cover.

In about 10 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of the mint, the dried fruit, pistachios, and lime juice. Stir, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Remove the cinnamon stick, fluff with a fork, and serve.

From Veganomicon