5 Delicious Cous Cous Recipes to Try Today

Are you looking for a versatile and delicious grain to add to your pantry? Couscous, a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, is not just easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile in terms of culinary applications. Here are five delightful couscous recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring you have a range of options for meals throughout the week.

1. Moroccan Spiced Couscous

Delve into the rich flavors of Morocco with this aromatic and flavorful dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup boiling water or vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
  • Fresh coriander for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Pour boiling water or stock over the couscous, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion until soft, add garlic, spices, and cook for a minute.
  3. Mix in the couscous, apricots, and almonds. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

🔔 Note: Ensure the spices are well-cooked to release their full flavor into the couscous.

2. Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Perfect for a light lunch or as a side, this salad is bursting with the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • For the dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare couscous as per package instructions with boiling water.
  2. In a large bowl, mix couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta.
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad. Toss gently.
  4. Garnish with parsley just before serving.

3. Lemon Couscous with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

This dish is both refreshing and vibrant, making it ideal for a light dinner or side dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup boiling vegetable stock
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 10 asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare couscous with boiling stock, cover, and let it sit.
  2. Meanwhile, lightly steam asparagus until tender.
  3. Melt butter in a pan, add asparagus and tomatoes, cook until slightly softened.
  4. Fluff couscous, stir in lemon zest and juice, then fold in the vegetables.
  5. Garnish with dill.

4. Vegan Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

For those following a plant-based diet, these stuffed peppers are a hearty and nutritious option:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off, seeded
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare couscous with vegetable broth.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly steam bell peppers until they start to soften.
  3. Mix couscous with zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpeas, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the bell peppers with the mixture, place tops back on, and bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

5. Chicken and Couscous Skillet

A one-pan wonder that combines protein with the delightful texture of couscous:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 cup spinach
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic, turmeric, and curry powder.
  2. Add diced chicken, cook until browned. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Stir in couscous, cover, and let cook until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Add spinach, stir until wilted, then squeeze lemon juice over the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.

These recipes highlight the versatility of couscous, allowing it to absorb a variety of flavors from spicy Moroccan spices to fresh Mediterranean produce. Each dish brings its unique touch, ensuring your palate experiences a broad spectrum of tastes. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or an impressive dinner, couscous offers countless possibilities to explore.

What is couscous and how is it different from pasta?

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Couscous is actually a type of pasta made from semolina wheat, but it’s traditionally used in dishes more like a grain. Unlike pasta, couscous is much smaller and cooks by absorbing water or broth rather than being boiled in it.

Can couscous be eaten cold?

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Yes, couscous can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a great choice for salads or as a side dish for picnics and barbecues.

Are there gluten-free options for couscous?

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Traditional couscous is made from wheat, but you can find gluten-free versions made from rice or corn, which can be prepared similarly to traditional couscous.

How can I incorporate couscous into a balanced diet?

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Couscous can be part of a balanced diet when combined with proteins like chicken or chickpeas, plenty of vegetables, and a source of healthy fats. It’s versatile enough to fit into various meal plans, from vegan to Mediterranean diets.

Is couscous good for people watching their carb intake?

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Compared to other grains like quinoa or rice, couscous has a higher carbohydrate content, but it’s still a moderate carb option. You can adjust portion sizes or opt for a whole grain variety to manage carb intake better.