Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by rinsing the mint leaves under cold water, patting them dry with a clean towel. Remove the leaves from the stems and set aside. For the couscous, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized pan, add the olive oil and a pinch of salt, then stir in the couscous. Cover and remove from heat, letting it sit for about 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

While the couscous is resting, finely chop the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, dice the red onion, and crumble the feta cheese. Squeeze the lemon juice into a small bowl and combine with a tablespoon of olive oil, whisking to create a simple dressing.

Combining Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous with the prepared mint leaves, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Gently fold these ingredients together to distribute evenly.

Cooking Process

There is no active cooking in the traditional sense for this medley. Instead, allow the combined ingredients to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This resting period enables the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious taste profile.

Pour the prepared lemon and olive oil dressing over the medley, season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss until well-coated. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top, ready to serve.

Setting the Cooking Timer

Although the cooking involves minimal heat, setting a timer for 20 minutes ensures adequate flavor development and a perfect serving temperature.

Enjoying Your Lucian Mint Medley

The Lucian Mint Medley is best enjoyed fresh, as the vibrant ingredients are at their peak of flavor. Serve it as a standalone dish or alongside grilled proteins such as chicken or fish, embodying the island's affinity for fresh, healthful fare. For a complete experience, pair this medley with a chilled glass of white wine or mint tea, embodying the refreshing and aromatic qualities of the dish.

This recipe can be tailored to suit individual tastes by adding