Easy Couscous Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to couscous for flavor? ›

Follow 1:1 Liquid to Couscous Ratio.

If you plan to cook 1 cup of couscous, you'll need 1 cup of boiling broth or water (but look at the couscous package as some may require a different ratio). Use too much liquid and your couscous will be a bit on the sticky side.

Regular couscous isn't considered a whole grain but can be part of a healthy diet when properly portioned. One cup of cooked traditional couscous has about 175 calories, 6 grams of protein and 1gram of fiber.

It makes a fluffy bed for veggies, fish, and meats, and perfectly soaks up hearty Moroccan chicken or lamb stews. You can even chill your couscous and toss it into a tasty Mediterranean salad! It's true what they say about it—it's the pasta so nice, they named it twice!

Couscous is packed with nutrients and has better selenium per serving than white rice when it comes to selenium and other elements. It is light and filling, making it a good choice for busy professionals, families and people who don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare a healthy, delicious meal.

What Is Couscous? Couscous is a type of pasta that's made from semolina wheat flour and water. The subtle nutty flavor of couscous makes it a versatile ingredient that can be combined with fruits, vegetables and meats to create an excellent main or side dish.

Add some cumin, paprika or turmeric (or create a spice mix that you love) to the cooking water for a subtle warmth and depth. Alternatively, toss the cooked couscous with fresh herbs like mint, parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.

There's no need to wash or rinse the couscous before cooking it as it doesn't contain starch. The butter/oil is optional, but it will help the grains to separate so it's recommended. Add the couscous to boiling water, and then take it off of the heat to avoid it overcooking.

Kettle and Bowl Version (faster and easier!) Add 1 cup of couscous to a bowl. Boil some water in a kettle. Pour 1 cup of boiling water into the bowl, add a pinch of sea salt if desired, stir and cover it with a plate.

Couscous is actually superior to rice and quinoa when it comes to grains as it has less than 200 calories in each cup. Which is less than 10% of the daily calorie intake suggested for adults. This makes it the perfect alternative for people trying to lose weight mainly through dieting.

Is couscous inflammatory? ›

The selenium in couscous can also give your immune system a boost. This antioxidant helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity by lowering oxidative stress in your body ( 2 ).

Couscous is not gluten-free, but quinoa is gluten-free. Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories.

Couscous isn't really cooked, more rehydrated. Depending on the brand you use, this can take anything from 5 to 15 mins, with an average of about 10 mins. Try a small amount – if it's soft then you're good to fluff, but if it's at all crunchy, cover and leave for a few mins more before fluffing.

Couscous is a dried and cracked pasta made from semolina, like tiny pasta, meaning it cooks at lightning speed. It has a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with stews, braises, and grilled or roasted veggies.

As you've probably guessed, couscous is best served with a red wine, especially when it's made with meat. When your dish is fish-based, it's best to serve a white wine ! Its delicate aromas are no match for the strength of the meat. On the other hand, a white wine can be superb with a vegetarian recipe!

If your couscous is always boring and flat-tasting, try cooking it in something besides plain water. Couscous has a natural nutty flavor that isn't exactly explosive, but can be enhanced to great effect by a flavorful liquid.

Rehydrating with Warm Water

Season with a pinch of pepper and salt. Pour in the warm water and then quickly stir the couscous using a fork because you want to avoid any couscous lumps later. Cover the dish with cling film or a lid for 10 minutes while the couscous is absorbing the liquid.

Like most Moroccan meals, couscous is traditionally served in a communal large round plate that everyone sits around to enjoy together. It's usually accompanied by small bowls full of extra broth to pour over the couscous.

Use the correct amount of water or stock

With too much liquid, your couscous will go soggy. With not enough, it'll be hard. So, take the time to make all measurements accurately. For every 2/3 cup couscous, you should add 1 cup of boiling water or (preferably) stock.