Embark on a culinary journey with couscous, a versatile grain that forms the heart of many delectable dishes across North Africa and the Mediterranean. This steamed semolina dish offers a delightful combination of fluffy texture and nutty flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to stews, salads, and even desserts. In this comprehensive guide, we present a diverse collection of couscous recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and culinary skills. From traditional Moroccan couscous to a refreshing Israeli salad and a flavorful vegan couscous bowl, our recipes showcase the versatility and global appeal of this ancient grain. Whether you seek a hearty main course or a vibrant side dish, our curated selection promises to transport your taste buds to exotic locales and create a memorable dining experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PERFECT COUSCOUS
Couscous is made from tiny steamed balls of semolina flour. Though we think of it as a grain, it's actually a type of pasta.
Categories Vegetables & Sides
Time 10m
Yield 4 - 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or broth), salt, butter, and oil to a boil. Stir in the couscous, cover tightly with a lid, and remove from heat. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the couscous and break up any clumps. Serve warm.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The couscous can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 226, Fat 5g, Carbohydrate 37g, Protein 7g, SaturatedFat 2g, Sugar 0g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 220mg, Cholesterol 5mg
PERFECT COUSCOUS
Couscous isn't a grain, as some people may think - it's actually a type of pasta made from durum wheat and shaped like a grain. The couscous you have in your pantry is most likely instant couscous that's been steamed and dried so it cooks very quickly, for a fast and easy side dish or base for a salad or bowl. Look for whole wheat couscous in your supermarket; it cooks in the same time as the regular variety and has all the virtues of whole wheat pasta. This recipe makes a big batch for make-ahead meal prep but is easily halved.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 10m
Yield about 6 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine the water or broth, olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in the couscous and immediately remove from the heat. Cover and let sit 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous thoroughly with a fork (the more you fluff, the more separate and light the grains will be). Season with salt and pepper. If you are making the couscous ahead, spread while hot on a baking sheet lined with parchment to stop the cooking as it cools. Once cool, refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
HOW TO COOK COUSCOUS
Learn how to cook couscous perfectly every time! It takes just 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients. This quick couscous recipe is a great side next to your favorite protein, or use it as a bed to a tasty stew.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Side
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a saucepan, add broth or water. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
- Now, toast the couscous. In a non-stick skillet or pan, heat about 1 to 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Add the couscous and toss around with a wooden spoon until golden brown. This is an optional step but can really adds a great nutty flavor.
- Stir couscous in the boiled liquid quickly and immediately turn the heat off. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes or until couscous has completely absorbed the broth or water.
- Uncover and fluff with a fork.
- You can serve couscous plain, or mix in spices and herbs to give it more flavor. If you like, add in a pinch of cumin, sautéed garlic, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs or your choice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 kcal, Sodium 1.1 mg, Fat 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Carbohydrate 34.2 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 7.1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
QUICK CHICKEN COUSCOUS
Take a break from pasta, rice, and potatoes with this quick chicken couscous bowl. Made with chicken breast (or thighs, or even leftover chicken!) and diced veggies of your choice, it's an impressive meal that takes just minutes to make once all the ingredients are prepped. The chicken is moist and tender, the couscous is light yet satisfying, and the veggies add color, flavor, and texture. It can be eaten at any temperature and would be perfect to pack for a picnic.
Provided by Chef John
Time 40m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Place couscous in a heat-proof mixing bowl. Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and olive oil; stir with a spoon until all couscous is coated with oil. Level off to smooth the top and set aside.
- Season chicken on both sides with salt.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Flip and add onions. Sear chicken on second side, while sauteing onions at the same time, for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a plate and let cool for a few minutes. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes and return to the saucepan.
- Add chicken broth, zucchini, green beans, bell pepper, green onions, paprika, and turmeric to the saucepan. Place over high heat. As soon as it boils, remove from the heat and carefully dump it on top of the couscous; do not stir. Immediately wrap bowl tightly with foil and set a timer for 5 minutes.
- When timer goes off, unwrap foil and toss in parsley. Stir to combine ingredients. Taste and adjust for salt.
- Spoon couscous onto serving plate and garnish with feta cheese, chili flakes, and parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 966 calories, Carbohydrate 125 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 34.7 g, Fiber 21.3 g, Protein 46.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 1428.6 mg, Sugar 5.7 g
Tips:
- Use boiling water: Couscous cooks best in boiling water. This helps to ensure that the grains cook evenly and don't become mushy.
- Use a fork to fluff the couscous: Once the couscous is cooked, use a fork to fluff it up. This will help to separate the grains and make them light and airy.
- Add flavorings: Couscous is a blank canvas for flavor. You can add herbs, spices, vegetables, or meat to create a dish that is uniquely your own.
- Experiment with different recipes: There are many different ways to cook couscous. Try experimenting with different recipes to find one that you love.
Conclusion:
Couscous is a versatile and delicious grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to cook and can be flavored in many different ways. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty main course, couscous is a great option.
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