D.C. Girls Life: Seafood Cous Cous Paella {Mediterranean Diet}

If you haven't heard about the study recently published about the Mediterranean Diet than you may have been living under a rock.

Indulging in extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, red wine and easy on the red meat are a few highlights of the study that have shown if you stick to the Mediterranean diet, not only will you live a healthier life, you will be happier. You think that's why the Greek's economy tanked? Because they're too busy enjoying life?
Maybe :)

Anyway, I found this delicious Seafood Cous Cous Paella from EatingWell.com. A note, it is only a serving for 2 so you may want to double up on the recipe. I love all seafood so I did stick to the recipe and make it with bay scallops and shrimp - if you're not a fan of either one of those - you could try it with another seafood of your liking. We also had a lot of the ingredients already in the house - except for the Saffron Thread - which is not cheap by any means. But I was able to find some at my local Whole Foods.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of crumbled saffron threads
1 cup no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with juice
1/4 cup vegetable broth
4 ounces bay scallops, tough muscle removed
4 ounces small shrimp, (41-50 per pound), peeled and deveined
1/2 cup whole-wheat couscous

Directions:

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, fennel seed, salt, pepper and saffron; cook for 20 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Increase heat to medium, stir in scallops and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes more.