Couscous Cakes with Yogurt Sauce

As a single person I often have left over food, which I am terrible at eating. I hate eating the same thing twice (or three times) in a row. I also really hate throwing food away, which means that I try to come up with creative ways to use leftovers to create something new. This was a fantastic way to use leftover couscous.

Recipe:
1.5 cups leftover couscous, I used garlic and olive oil flavor
1/2 a small onion, minced
2 T fresh basil, chiffonaded
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (depending on taste)
salt (to taste)
pepper
1 egg
2 T flour (start with 1 T and see how much you need)
2 T oil

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except egg, flour, and oil. Stir to combine. Add one large egg and mix together. Add 1 T of flour and mix. See how things are holding together. If it is not coming together well add 1 more T of flour over the top and place mixture in the fridge. After about 20-30 minutes take out of the fridge and stir together. Things should hold together fairly well. Form into patties (usually about 1/4 cup for each one) - you may want to spray your hands with non-stick spray or coat them with flour to prevent sticking. Heat oil over medium heat and when hot, place patties in the pan. Cook for 3 minutes on each side. Place on paper towles to absorb some of the oil after cooking.

While waiting for the patties to chill you can make the following sauce:

Recipe:

1/4 cup chopped tomato
1 T fresh basil, chiffonaded
1 tsp capers
1/3 cup plain yogurt
salt
pepper

Cut the tomato and drain some of the juice out. Then mix all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Place in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

I like to serve the patty alone with the sauce on the side so that you don't lose the crunchy texture of the couscous patty.