Near East Pearled Couscous and Meal Kit Giveaway

Even though we spent 3 years in Thailand Hubs and I are not big rice eaters! I know, crazy right??!! One thing we do LOVE is couscous. I'm betting that a big chunk of you have never tried it as I know it usually raises eyebrows when we offer it for dinner! But it's yummy, healthy and not expensive. Plus (and can I get a holler for this one?!) it takes no more than 5 minutes to cook! FIVE! Score!

So when Near East contacted me about trying their new meal I thought I'd be a perfect fit as their product is something we already love and use!

New Near East Pearled Couscous brings the elegance of Mediterranean cuisine straight to the kitchen. Near East Pearled Couscous, made with all-natural ingredients and Certified Kosher, is ideal for consumers looking for a flavorful and versatile side dish. It adds elegance to any meal in just 20 minutes. (Their pearls take longer to cook and quite honestly we prefer the regular!) There's also a special discounted coupon available at Near East. You can save $1.00 on any two Near East offerings, including the new Pearled Couscous flavors that run at about $2.70 per box.

Couscous is traditionally served under a meat dish or as an accompaniment to a vegetable stew but it can also be eaten alone, flavored or plain, warm or cold, as a dessert or a side dish. But, I was also sent a Near East meal kit to enjoy. All you have to add is meat and it's a whole healthy inexpensive dish. Can I get another holler??!!!

So what are you going to win? A kit of the new Near East Pearled Couscous flavors and a Gourmet Meal kit.
So how do you win? Just tell us in a comment below which you prefer: Potato/Bread/Couscous/Rice

**Want more ways to win? These are worth one additional entry total. (1 entry)
Blog about the contest on your site OR tweet OR Facebook about it and lemme know.
Tweet this: Win dinner from Near East at www.mummydeals.org from @mummydeals Thx @MeganBurgess09
** Want yet one more way? Subscribe to my email feeds OR follow me. If you're already a subscriber and you tell me, you get an extra entry. If you're not, subscribe and then lemme know to get an extra entry! (1 entry)

Contest closes on Thurs november 19 at midnight and the winner will be picked randomly (by random.org) and announced on Friday November 20. Don't forget to leave a way for me to contact you!

I blog with integrity: I was not paid to write this but am already a Near East fan and was given their meal kit to try and one to give away to my readers.

Below you’ll find a recipe from award-winning Chef Michael Psilakis, who has incorporated Near East Pearled Couscous into one of his signature Mediterranean dishes.

SICILIAN CAPONATA & COUSCOUS SALAD

1package (4.7 ounces) NEAR EAST Pearled Couscous, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil Mix
2tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
1large eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1can (14.5 ounces) whole Italian tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, undrained, coarsely chopped
1jar (8 ounces) roasted red bell peppers, drained, coarsely chopped
1/2cup water
2tablespoons sugar
3tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2cup golden raisins
1/4cup pitted and quartered green olives
Salt and pepper
Goat cheese (optional)

1. Prepare couscous according to package directions, omitting olive oil. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in 2 teaspoons olive oil; toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant; cook until browned and soft to touch (about 5 to 7 minutes), stirring frequently. (Add additional tablespoon of olive oil if eggplant is browning too quickly and/or seems to be sticking to skillet.) Transfer to paper towel-lined plate; let stand to absorb excess oil.
3. In same skillet, over medium heat, add tomatoes with liquid, roasted peppers, water, sugar and vinegar. Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer and cook until all liquid has evaporated (about 12 to 15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Transfer to large bowl; cool to room temperature.
4. Stir tomato mixture, raisins and olives into cooled couscous. If desired, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.
5. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a side dish or a vegetarian entrée.

My other current giveaways:
I'm giving away a $100 gift card here
Near East Couscous meal kit here
VERY cool self defense DVD here.