Moroccan microwave

>> Moshe Chetrit, king of couscous

by IVY TOLCHINSKY

Is couscous the trendy dish of the new millennium? Moshe Chetrit, creator of Le Couscoussier, a new line of frozen couscous products, seems to think so. "There are several upscale French restaurants that now offer couscous as an alternative to rice or potatoes," the 24-year-old entrepreneur notes.

Even while attending university and working with his father at the El Morocco restaurant, Chetrit noticed a demand for it. But he was aware that traditional steaming preparation was difficult and time-consuming, and the couscous-in-a-box method can often taste papery. After many a trial-and-error, he finally produced an inexpensive product you simply pop in the microwave, wait 6-7 minutes et voila--a nutritious and tasty Moroccan specialty.

So couscous your pasta bye-bye, and try the veggie couscous with seven types of vegetables or a sweet couscous made with the addition of prunes, apricots and raisins. These local products are available at most supermarkets. l