20 Crazy Good Recipes for Couscous (2024)

FAQs

What can I put in couscous to make it taste better? ›

I toss it with herbs, lemon juice, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a bright, refreshing pilaf. It pairs nicely with any protein, vegetable main dish, or soup! Top it with a stew. Traditional Moroccan couscous is often served with stewy seasonal vegetables, and I adore this preparation.

Whole-grain couscous is a good source of fiber. Fiber is good for you in a lot of ways. It can stop your blood sugar from spiking and can keep you fuller longer. It also can help lower cholesterol, which can reduce your chances of heart disease.

Though couscous contains limited amounts of blood-sugar-lowering protein, it's fairly high in carbs, with 36 grams per cup (157 grams) (1). Those with blood sugar issues or diabetes should be cautious when consuming moderate- to high-carb foods.

Couscous is packed with nutrients and has better selenium per serving than white rice when it comes to selenium and other elements. It is light and filling, making it a good choice for busy professionals, families and people who don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare a healthy, delicious meal.

Instead of cooking it in boiling water, simply bring the water to a boil, add the couscous, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for at least five minutes---essentially, steam it. Add a little fat---either use stock instead of water, or add a little olive oil after fluffing it. add more water. Don't "cook" it.

The verdict. Quinoa, hands down. The similarities are deceptive… Quinoa is a complete protein, can be part of a gluten-free diet, has more nutrients and double the fibre of couscous. And, when cooked, it has a lower GI, so it should help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Couscous is actually superior to rice and quinoa when it comes to grains as it has less than 200 calories in each cup. Which is less than 10% of the daily calorie intake suggested for adults. This makes it the perfect alternative for people trying to lose weight mainly through dieting.

As I mentioned, couscous is a gluten-containing pasta, so anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity should steer clear. Couscous may also cause unwanted spikes in blood sugar and should be eaten with caution by people with diabetes symptoms.

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina wheat that, when consumed in moderation, can be a part of a healthy diet. While couscous is not a "magic" food that will cause you to lose weight on its own, including it in your diet can be a healthy and delicious way to help you reach your weight loss goals.

How much couscous do I need for 2 people? ›

There are several types of couscous available for purchase, the most common being: Moroccan couscous, Golden Couscous, Pearl Couscous and Lebanese couscous.

Rich in selenium – One cup of couscous will provide about 60 percent of the selenium you need per day to stay healthy. This powerful antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation and repair cells that may be damaged.

Whole wheat couscous is more nutritious that the regular variety. It's made from whole wheat durum flour. It contains 5 to 6 grams of fiber per serving, which can help you meet the recommended daily amount of fiber. Couscous has a mild flavor which makes it extremely versatile.

Couscous is made from rolled semolina wheat and looks like a grain (like pasta). Couscous is a wonderful recovery meal since it has more protein than potatoes or rice and its carbohydrate and protein balance hits the ideal 4:1 carbohydrate:protein recovery ratio.

If your couscous is always boring and flat-tasting, try cooking it in something besides plain water. Couscous has a natural nutty flavor that isn't exactly explosive, but can be enhanced to great effect by a flavorful liquid.

Rehydrating Couscous with Hot Water

Cover, and let the couscous steam for 5 minutes. When you lift the lid, the grains will appear flat in an even layer. Use a fork to fluff it up and break up the clumps for light and fluffy couscous. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a little salt.

While many believe that it is a type of grain, such as rice or barley, it is actually a type of pasta. (Hint: some grocery stores may stock couscous in the pasta section, but most will often stock it in the grain section, next to the rice). Couscous is pasta made from semolina flour mixed with water.

Couscous can also be added dry right into a soup, cooking along with the other ingredients, or served on a platter piled high with grilled vegetables. Don't be afraid to incorporate couscous into your favorite recipes.