Moroccan shrimp adds variety to menu

Here's a dinner for one of those evenings when you want a respite from the seasonal bustle. The 25-minute shrimp special is from the November issue of Real Simple magazine.

A tip for this recipe: Stir about 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, cilantro or scallions into the couscous just before serving.

Moroccan Shrimp

10-ounce box couscous

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, diced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 red bell pepper, diced

3/4 cup golden raisins

28-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 lemon, halved

Prepare the couscous according to the package directions; set aside. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the black pepper. Cover and cook until the onion is softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the bell pepper and raisins and cook for 4 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and heat for 3 minutes. Meanwhile, place the shrimp in a medium bowl and sprinkle with the cumin, cinnamon and the remaining black pepper. Squeeze the lemon over the shrimp and toss to combine. Add the shrimp (but not the liquid) to the tomato mixture in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork, divide it among individual plates, and spoon the shrimp over the top.

Makes 4 servings.