SUN-DRIED TOMATO PEARL COUSCOUS

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
6 tablespoons finely chopped onion or shallot
2 (rice cooker) cups* pearl couscous (also known as Israeli couscous)**
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not oil packed)
1 teaspoon basil
2 tablespoons chopped toasted pine nuts

Insert the rice cooking bowl in rice cooker. Add oil, cover and turn on; heat 1-1/2 minutes. Stir in chopped onion. Cover and cook 1 minute.

Add couscous to rice cooking bowl. Stir, using rice paddle, for 1-2 minutes.

Add chicken stock, water and salt; stir. Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Cover and cook until liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes. Rice Cooker will switch to “Warm”. Let stand 5 minutes or hold on "Warm" until ready to serve.

Transfer to a warm bowl and sprinkle with chopped toasted pine nuts to serve.

*Your rice cooker cup equals 6-ounces (12 tablespoons
or 3/4 of a standard 1-cup measure) measuring cup.

**Pearl or Israeli couscous can be found in well-stocked grocery stores or in specialty food stores.

Makes 4 cups (8 servings)
Source: Cuisinart 8-cup rice cooker manual