Couscous can be used to make many delicious and nutritious dishes. However, not everyone knows how to cook couscous properly?. If you are looking for an answer to this question, I think you are in the right place and this is the article that you need to read.
1. FAQs When Cooking Couscous
1.1. Do You Rinse Couscous Before Cooking?
It depends on the type of couscous you are using. There are two main types of couscous: regular couscous and Israeli couscous.
Regular couscous: This type of couscous is smaller and cooks very quickly. It does not require rinsing before cooking, as it has already been pre-steamed and dried during the manufacturing process. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking regular couscous.
Israeli couscous: Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, is larger in size and has a chewy texture. It is typically made from wheat flour and semolina, and it should rinse before cooking. Rinsing removes any excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
To rinse Israeli couscous, place it in a fine-mesh sieve or colander and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, proceed with cooking according to instructions.
1.2. What is the Ratio of Water to Couscous?
If you want your couscous to become dry make a salad or serve it with a sauce. The couscous-to-water ratio is 1: 1. However, if you want couscous to be soft and slightly sticky. The ratio will be 1: 1.5. Note you don’t need to rinse couscous before cooking. Because this is not necessary
1.3. How Much Couscous Per Person?
If you are serving couscous as a side dish, 1/2 cup couscous (uncooked) per person is generally sufficient. However, if couscous is the main course or if you have guests with larger appetites, you may want to increase the portion size to 3/4 cup or 1 cup per person.
2. How To Cook Couscous
Ingredients
- 1 cup instant couscous
- 1 cup of vegetable/chicken broth
- 1-1.5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil or butter (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- A saucepan with a lid and a fork
Instructions
Step 1: Fill the saucepan with a cup of vegetable/chicken broth and add the olive oil.
Step 2: Now, place the saucepan on the stove over high heat and let the liquid come to a boil. When the liquid starts bubbling, turn off the stove and remove the saucepan from the burner.
Step 3: Add the instant couscous (1 cup), season with salt, and stir it once. Cover the saucepan with a well-fitted lid and leave it undisturbed for 10 minutes.
Step 4: After 10 minutes has elapsed, uncover & check the couscous. It should have soaked up all the liquid and softened. If liquid remains and the couscous have a crisp texture, re-cover the saucepan for 5 more minutes.
Step 5: Lastly, uncover the lid, fluff up the couscous using a fork, and serve right away.
3. What To Do With Cooked Couscous?
Salad: Toss the cooked couscous with fresh vegetables, such as diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs. Dress it with a simple vinaigrette or lemon juice for a refreshing couscous salad.
Stir-fry: Use cooked couscous as a base for a quick stir-fry. Sauté some vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas in a pan, then add the couscous and stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is heated through.
Stuffed vegetables: Stuff cooked couscous into bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal. You can mix in herbs, spices, and other vegetables to enhance the flavor.
Couscous bowls: Create a nourishing grain bowl by topping cooked couscous with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, avocado slices, and a drizzle of sauce or dressing of your choice.
Couscous soup: Add cooked couscous to your favorite soup recipe to make it heartier and more filling. It works well in vegetable soups, tomato-based soups, or even chicken or beef broth-based soups.
Side dish: Serve cooked couscous as a simple side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a bed for saucy dishes like stews or curries.
Breakfast porridge: Transform cooked couscous into a warm and comforting breakfast by heating it with milk or your preferred dairy-free alternative. Add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and top it with fruits, nuts, or seeds.
In conclusion, couscous is a versatile and easy-to-cook grain that can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a hearty main course, or a refreshing salad, couscous can be your go-to option.