Grilled Plum & Shrimp Skewers with Cumin Scented Couscous

fire brings out full fruit flavor

Grilling fruits make them plump and juicy. And, there is just something about the caramelization that only the grill can give to anything that touches it. One of the first fruits I had grilled was pineapple. SO GOOD! The charred edges are crisp while the insides remain soft and juicy. It's an easy change up to throw some fruit on the grill when making dinner.

In this recipe I grill the plums along with the lemon after seasoning them with an unexpected spice rub. Paired with grilled onions and shrimp and a cumin scented couscous this meal is different, but tasty. I've taken most of these flavors from Indian or Middle Eastern dishes I've learned to make. This recipe is very easy and can be a good way to introduce yourself or family to these different cuisines. Make this for dinner when you need a change from the norm. Here's how...

Ingredients - Serves 4
1T Sugar
1T Kosher Salt, plus 1 tsp. for the couscous
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 lb. Peeled & Deveined Shrimp
4 Purple Plums, quartered
1 Medium Red Onion, quartered
1 Lemon, quartered
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 inch Ginger, minced
1 Shallot, minced
1T Olive Oil
1tsp. Cumin
2C Couscous
2 1/2C Vegetable Stock
Topping: Chopped Cilantro

Directions
Begin by making the spice rub: mix the sugar, 1T salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl.

Skewer the shrimp, plums, red onion, and lemon each on their own skewers. It is best to do this since the shrimp might be done before the onion, etc. Rub all but the onion with the spice rub and set aside. Preheat the grill at this time.

Next make the couscous: in a sauce pan over med-high heat saute the garlic, ginger, and shallot in the olive oil until soft. Add the couscous, cumin, and salt and saute for another minute, or until fragrant. Then add the veggie stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

While the couscous cooks, grill the skewers. The onion will take the most time, about 10 minutes. The plums, shrimp, and lemon will only take about 4 minutes per side. Once everything is cooked through, remove the skewers to a tray and then remove everything from the skewers.

Serve the grilled plums, shrimp, and onions on top of the couscous topped with chopped cilantro. Squeeze the grilled lemon over top and enjoy a unique flavorful meal!