Smoky Meat-Free Mince With Apricot & Courgette Couscous

Boil a kettle

Peel lengths off your courgette[s] with a peeler until you end up with a pile of courgette ribbons

Dice the inner stem[s]

Add your couscous and diced apricots to a large dish or bowl with 200ml [300ml] [400ml] boiled water

Cover and set aside

Add the courgette ribbons to a pot or separate heat-proof bowl and cover with hot water for 4 min, then drain and squeeze out any excess water with your hands

Meanwhile, dissolve your vegetable stock mix in 100ml [130ml] [150ml] boiled water

Peel and finely chop (or grate) your garlic

Peel and finely dice your red onion[s]

Heat a wide-based pan over a medium heat

Once hot, add your cumin seeds and ground smoked paprika and toast the spices for 30 secs

Add 1 tbsp [1 1/2 tbsp] [2 tbsp] of olive oil and the diced red onion with a pinch of salt

Cook for 3 min over a medium heat

Add your meat-free mince to the pan and cook for 5-6 min, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go

Add the chopped garlic and diced courgette, cook for a further 2 min, then add the vegetable stock

Cook the mince mixture for 5 min further or until the stock is absorbed and the meat-free mince is cooked through – this is your smoky meat-free mince

Meanwhile trim, then slice your spring onion[s]

Strip your mint leaves from their stems and chop them finely, discard the stems

Wash your salad, then pat it dry with kitchen paper

Fluff the apricot couscous with a fork and stir in the courgette ribbons, chopped spring onion, most of the mint (save some for garnish!) and salad

Add 1 tbsp [1 1/2 tbsp] [2 tbsp] olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper – this is your apricot & courgette couscous