Directions For the Couscous:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper. Set dressing aside.
On a large sheet pan, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 400 degree oven for 6-8 minutes until bright green and crisp tender. Set asparagus aside.
In a large sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add couscous and a sprinkle of salt and sauté till golden brown, stirring frequently about 5 minutes. Add 2 cups broth and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 minutes. Transfer couscous to a large mixing bowl.
Once the asparagus has cooled, chop diagonally into 3/4 inch pieces. Add asparagus to the bowl along with the peas, dressing, feta, chives and mint. Toss well and serve.
Directions For the Panko Chicken
:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pound chicken breasts thin. Dredge in flour, then in whisked eggs, then in Japanese Panko Bread Crumbs. Drizzle olive oil in a large fry pan and cook chicken over medium high heat on both sides until golden brown. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and cook in the oven until the chicken is cooked through (cooking time will vary by thickness.) Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.
Chef's Notes:
Asparagus is in abundance during the late spring and early summer on Old Mission Peninsula. I picked up some fresh Michigan asparagus from the local farm stand and created this light and summery dish that can be prepared days in advance.