How to Cook Couscous Perfectly Every Time

What is Couscous?

Couscous is a dish from North Africa and although it looks like a grain, it’s actually a pasta. It’s made from rolled durum wheat semolina mixed with water, and traditionally it is steamed and served along meat or vegetables or is a great base for a delicious salad. You can also:

• Use it as a filler in beef burger patties
• Use it for bread or pancakes
• Add some pumpkin, rocket, lime juice and herbs to it for a delicious salad
• Cook up some chicken and veg and use it like pasta
• Add cauliflower and green veges for a rice-like dish
• And so much more.

One of the reasons couscous is increasingly popular around the world is because there are many health benefits of couscous. It’s a great source of fibre which can keep you fuller for longer and helps regulate your tummy, lowers cholesterol and reduces your chance of heart disease. It’s also a great form of carbohydrates so your body will convert it into energy, and it is a powerful antioxidant (selenium) that promotes healthy cells, and boosts your immune system. Couscous is also full of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, magnesium, folic acid, and a host of other vitamins and minerals.

Guide To Cooking CousCous

Now that you understand the health benefits and have an idea in mind of what you want to create from your couscous, here’s what you need to get started:

• Packet of couscous – you can get this from your local supermarket.
• Boiling stock or water – if you want more flavour, a vegetable or chicken stock is a great addition. Use a 1:1 ratio – one cup of liquid for one cup of couscous. An important note here is that if you’re using Israeli couscous, you’ll need 1¼ cup liquid instead.
• Any additions to add once it’s cooked.

Now, it’s time to learn how to cook couscous. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Add your stock or water into a saucepan with a few drops of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then bring to the boil.
2. An optional step is to toast the couscous in olive oil as it provides more flavour. To do this, heat the oil in a non-stick pan, add the uncooked couscous and toss it with a wooden spoon until it turns golden.
3. Add the couscous to your boiling pot. Cover and remove from the heat.
4. Let the couscous sit for 10 minutes, or until it has fully absorbed the water. Fluff it with a fork and then add it to your desired dish.

Short on time? You can cook couscous in the microwave instead. Simply heat the liquid in a large bowl for around 3-5 minutes, then add in instant couscous, cover it and complete step four above.

The best thing about cooking couscous is that it doesn’t take long – set aside around 15 minutes for the couscous itself, and of course prep time for the other food you’re serving. Knowing how to cook couscous will give you a whole new level of delicious meal prepping. It’s easy to cook, fast and delicious. Give it a try with these simple ideas below.

• Lemon Couscous is a fantastic, zesty addition to any summer barbecue or celebration with friends and family. 
• Give your meal some zing with a great Parmesan Couscous side dish that goes well with any meat or vegetable dish. 
• Step out of your comfort zone with a delicious Couscous With Pine Nuts & Almonds winter side dish or summer salad.
• Time to get festive this Christmas with a delicious Festive Couscous that your guests will be raving about until next festive season. 
• Classic Lemon Herb Couscous Salad Recipe
• The great stuffed couscous recipe