Early Autumn Roasted Vegetables with Couscous

Directions:

Prehat oven to 450 degrees.

In a colander, toss the eggplant and zucchini with about 2 teaspoons salt, and let drain for about 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine together the remaining ingredients except the fresh tomatoes with the olive oil. Add the eggplant and zucchini to the bowl and transfer to a large roasting pan arranging in 1 layer. Place in a preheated oven. Occasionally turn vegetables for even browning.

After 30 minutes add fresh tomatoes and continue cooking for another 15 to 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve hot or cold, garnish with fresh chopped herbs.

Couscous:
Crumble saffron in a small dish with 1/2 cup of water to dissolve.

In a saucepan bring chicken broth to a boil. Add saffron in water and oil, heat for 1 minute. Stir in couscous, currants or raisins and almonds, remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.