Ingredients

1/2 cup peeled, diced (1/4 inch) beet (about 1 medium beet)

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for seasoning

1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/8 teaspoon ground coriander

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 cup couscous

1/4 cup dried apricots, cut into 1/4-inch dice

2 tablespoons dried currants

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Bring 3/4 cup water, diced beet, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer beet, covered, until tender, about 15 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid; drain beet. (If you have less than 1/2 cup liquid, add water to fill.) Return beet and liquid to pan. Add butter, coriander, and cumin; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover. Remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes.

Fluff couscous with a fork. Stir in apricots, currants, zest, and orange juice. Season with salt and pepper.