Bean Couscous with Pomegranates

Description
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Ingredients

 * 1 cup small white beans
 * 2 Tbs. extra virgin sesame or olive oil
 * 2 cups eggplant, cut into small dice
 * 2 Tbs. sesame seeds
 * 1 Tbs. minced garlic
 * 12 oz. couscous
 * 5 Tbs. olive oil
 * 2 Tbs. pomegranate vinegar (see recipe)
 * 1 cup pomegranate arils
 * 2 Tbs. minced fresh coriander
 * Salt to taste

Directions
1. Pour boiling water over beans and soak overnight. Next day, drain beans and cook until tender in salted water to cover, about 25 minutes. Drain and reserve.

2. Place sesame oil in large skillet or wok and heat until it begins to smoke. Stir-fry eggplant for about 5 minutes, or until tender, then add sesame seeds. Continue to stir-fry until sesame seeds begin to turn color, then add garlic. Stir and continue cooking for 1 minute, then remove from heat and set aside.

3. To cook couscous, bring 21/2 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add couscous and let mixture come to a full boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and continue cooking for 1 minute or until all liquid absorbed. Stir with fork to fluff, then pour into serving bowl.

4. To make vinaigrette: Whisk together oil and vinegar and pour over hot couscous. Stir well, then add beans and eggplant. Add pomegranate arils and chopped fresh coriander, adjust seasonings and serve.