Best 5 Simple Couscous Recipes

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Discover the flavors of North Africa with this collection of couscous recipes. Couscous, a versatile grain made from semolina flour, is a staple in many North African cuisines. These recipes showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the region, from the classic Algerian couscous to the hearty Moroccan tagine.

Embark on a culinary journey as you explore the vibrant flavors of North Africa with these couscous recipes. From the traditional to the modern, this collection offers a variety of dishes to suit every taste. Dive into the rich and aromatic world of North African cuisine and let your taste buds dance with delight.

**The following couscous recipes are included in the article:**

* Classic Algerian Couscous: Experience the simplicity and elegance of this traditional Algerian dish, featuring tender couscous, succulent vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
* Moroccan Tagine with Chicken and Vegetables: Indulge in the hearty and comforting flavors of this Moroccan classic, where chicken and vegetables are slow-cooked in a fragrant tagine sauce.
* Tunisian Couscous Salad: Refresh your senses with this vibrant and flavorful salad, combining couscous, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
* Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables: Discover a modern take on couscous with this Israeli-inspired recipe. Roasted vegetables add a smoky and caramelized sweetness to the fluffy couscous.
* Couscous Paella: Experience a fusion of flavors with this unique recipe that combines the classic Spanish paella with the goodness of couscous. Seafood, chicken, and vegetables come together in a saffron-infused broth.
* Sweet Couscous with Dried Fruits and Nuts: Treat yourself to a delightful dessert couscous, featuring a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these couscous recipes offer a perfect blend of exotic flavors and ease of preparation. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and transport yourself to the vibrant streets of North Africa.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SIMPLE COUSCOUS



Simple Couscous image

Gremolata is one of my favorite simple touches to transform a dish into something with that extra "zing".

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 28m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 cup instant couscous
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lemons, zested and juiced
Pinch sea salt
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
6 ounces or 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves washed, dried and roughly chopped
1 splash extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Couscous: Bring the water to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat, then turn off the heat.
  • In a shallow baking dish combine the couscous, salt and olive oil, tossing to coat. Add in the warm water and smooth the couscous into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes by the stove.
  • Gremolata: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice with the sea salt, garlic and parsley. Stir in enough olive oil to blend and bring the ingredients together. Taste for seasoning.
  • When ready to serve, flake the couscous with a fork and taste for seasoning. If the texture is a little too al dente, microwave the dish for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Reseason the couscous with salt, if necessary. Toss it with the gremolata and, again, taste for seasoning.

SIMPLE GREEK COUSCOUS



Simple Greek Couscous image

Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese add a Greek flair to a classic Mediterranean pasta.

Provided by DontWastetheCrumbs.com

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup water
1 cup couscous
⅔ cup chopped kalamata olives, liquid reserved
⅔ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, oil reserved
1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from the heat, and stir in couscous. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Mix olives, red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and couscous together in a bowl. Stir about 1 tablespoon liquid from olives and 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes into the couscous mixture until moistened. Add more oil as needed. Fold in feta cheese; sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.9 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 16.8 mg, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 555.4 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

SIMPLE SESAME CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS



Simple Sesame Chicken with Couscous image

I created this dish after my three kids tried Chinese takeout and asked for more. To make things easy for myself, I typically use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. -Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups coleslaw mix
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup reduced-fat Asian toasted sesame salad dressing, divided
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Chopped peanuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork., In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add coleslaw mix; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or just until tender. Add green onions, 2 tablespoons dressing and couscous; heat through. Remove couscous from pan; keep warm., In same skillet, add chicken and remaining dressing; cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Serve over couscous; top with cilantro and, if desired, peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 442mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SIMPLE COUSCOUS



Simple Couscous image

I got this recipe from the Rachel Ray Show. I make it with Recipe #195552 - a great combination that my family loved - my almost 14 year old daughter actually ate everything on her plate!! ;) Love or hate RR, Don't knock it till you try it.

Provided by Mommy Diva

Categories     Potluck

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups couscous
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, defrosted
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped (about a handful)
4 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves removed and chopped
1 tablespoon butter
sea salt
ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat 1 1/2 cups of the chicken stock and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the couscous, cinnamon, peas and salt and pepper to taste. Stir quickly to mix and take pan off the heat.
  • Let couscous stand covered for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and stir in toasted almonds, parsley and mint.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.5, Fat 8.5, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 11.2, Sodium 280.4, Carbohydrate 66.7, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 6.1, Protein 16.6

COUSCOUS DE MOUTON TOUT SIMPLE (MOROCCAN MUTTON COUSCOUS)



Couscous de Mouton Tout Simple (Moroccan Mutton Couscous) image

Simple Moroccan recipe for couscous with mutton.

Provided by Francine32

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews

Time 2h13m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds lamb shoulder, chopped into pieces
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
2 tomatoes, diced
½ (10.75 ounce) can tomato puree
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon ras el hanout
1 pinch saffron threads
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ quarts water
6 (5.8 ounce) boxes couscous
4 zucchini, cut into thick slices
4 turnips, quartered
4 carrots, cut into thick slices
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lamb; cook and stir until browned on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato puree, onion, ras el hanout, saffron, salt, and pepper. Cover with 1 1/2 quarts water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors combine, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour couscous into a very large bowl. Cover with 1 1/2 cups water. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a couscous steamer insert.
  • Stir zucchini, turnips, carrots, and celery into the pot. Set couscous steamer on top; cover and steam until tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Spoon couscous back into the bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter and fluff with a fork. Serve lamb and chickpea stew on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 917.2 calories, Carbohydrate 119.5 g, Cholesterol 96.1 mg, Fat 32.9 g, Fiber 12.3 g, Protein 35.3 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 444.4 mg, Sugar 8.3 g

Tips:

  • Use a fine grain couscous: This will cook more evenly and have a lighter texture.
  • Toast the couscous before cooking: This will add a nutty flavor and help to separate the grains.
  • Use a vegetable broth instead of water: This will add more flavor to the couscous.
  • Let the couscous rest before serving: This will allow the grains to absorb all of the liquid and become fluffy.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving: This will help to separate the grains and make them light and airy.

Conclusion:

Couscous is a versatile and delicious grain that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and it is also low in calories and fat. Couscous is a popular choice for salads, pilafs, and side dishes. It can also be used as a stuffing for vegetables and poultry.

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