Perfect timing.
This year, the New Year of the Trees occurs between sundown on February 7 and nightfall on February 8.
This minor holiday is mentioned in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 19:23-25, as a way to measure the age of trees and when it is appropriate to begin harvesting fruit from the young’uns.
Interested yet?
Here’s how it goes: In the first three years, no fruit should be picked. The fourth year is a year to dedicated the fruit to G-d. After that, harvest is allowed.
Makes sense to me as we give the trees time to set their roots firmly and the fruit develops without being tampered with.
The tradition of planting trees on this holiday has been enacted for many years in Israel. Any tree planted during the year is considered to have a birthday when the holiday of Tu b’Shvat arrives.
The holiday is a reminder to pause and reflect on the miracle and bounty of nature. It also marks the beginning of the growing season as we sense the soil warming up as spring approaches.
Some celebrate the holiday by eating items related to the seven species described in the Old Testament. They are:
wheat
barley
grapes
figs
pomegranates
olives
dates
Why not set aside a day to celebrate the value of trees and their fruit as a source of physical and spiritual sustenance?
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups israeli couscous
- 4 Tb extra virgin olive oil
- 20 oz. boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-size chunks
- 4 thick scallions, chopped
- 1 c. dried apricots, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make couscous according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat 2 Tb olive oil in a wok, stir-fry pan or saute pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and stir fry for about 4 minutes or until meat is white and cooked through.
- Set aside chicken.
- Place remaining 2 Tb of olive oil in the pan.
- add scallions and cook 1-2 minutes or until softened.
- add apricots, cumin,and cinnamon and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to distribute the ingredients well.
- Stir in pistachio nuts.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot or cool to lukewarm.
- makes 4 servings.
Can’t wait to try this! Looks like I already have everything needed to make this delicious! Might try adding cranberries too
Cranberries would be a lovely addition. I made the couscous with organic veg broth, not water. It def. boosts the flavor. Let me know how you like it!
Tu Bishvat Samech, Chag Lilanot…Happy Birthday to the tree..The Almond tree in bloom is the most beutiful site.
Thanks for this delicious recipe.
Look forward to making this beautiful dish! So hard to find appealing low fat recipes…
easy, too. You probably have all of the ingredients in your pantry, which makes it a great choice anytime! Enjoy!
As a tree lover (and hugger), I am delighted to learn about the Jewish holiday of Tu b’Shvat. This dish looks delicioius. Considering quinoa instead of couscous due to a wheat sensitivity.
Sometimes we are reminded to stop and notice. That’s always a good thing! This recipe seems flexible in lots of ways. Quinoa would probably be delicious. Let us know!
Can’t wait to try this one. Perfect for a lovely lunch along with a green salad. Thanks
Great idea for easy and colorful lunch!
It’s amazing we’re already thinking ahead to spring… This winter has been so mercifully mild.
The flavors of this dish sound so well-paired, I would love to try it with chickpeas instead of chicken!
Chickpeas sound like the perfect exchange.
This recipe sounds delish liz! Although underrated, Tu B’Shevat is one of my favorite holidays… also another great excuse to eat lots of dried fruit!
Don’t forget to plant a tree!! xo
Thanks for this great sounding recipe. This year I’m putting a focus on Tu B’Shvat (as we love the outdoors) and this will be our main dish at the seder.
Great idea! I used organic veg broth when I made the couscous. Give it a try and let me know!
I’m really hungry just now.wish I could eat your fried couscous..
Go ahead and make it! Hag Sameah!
This is a beautiful blog. Your pictures are lovely and contemplative. This recipe for couscous chicken looks fantastic.
Thanks so much!
You have made my day! Enjoy the holiday and happy cooking.