Go Back
Couscous store
Print

Couscous Recipe

Cooking couscous is a straightforward process, and it can be ready in just a few minutes. Here's a basic method for cooking couscous:
Author Fareeha

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups of water or broth such as vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste optional

Instructions

Boil Water or Broth:

  • Start by bringing the 1 1/2 cups of water or broth to a boil. You can add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil or a small pat of butter at this stage for extra flavor if desired.

Season the Liquid (Optional):

  • You can season the liquid with herbs, spices, or other flavorings to infuse extra taste into the couscous. Common seasonings include a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, a pinch of ground cumin, or a dash of paprika, depending on your preferences and the intended use of the couscous.

Add Couscous:

  • Once the liquid is boiling, remove it from the heat and immediately pour it over the couscous in a heatproof bowl. Ensure that the couscous is evenly distributed in the bowl, so it absorbs the liquid evenly.

Cover and Let Sit:

  • Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the couscous will absorb the hot liquid and steam, becoming tender and fluffy.

Fluff with a Fork:

  • After 5 minutes, remove the lid or plate and fluff the couscous gently with a fork. This helps separate the grains and prevents clumping. You'll notice that the couscous has expanded and become light and fluffy.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

  • Taste the couscous, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or any desired herbs and spices.

Serve:

  • Couscous is now ready to serve as a side dish or as a base for various recipes. It pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, fish, or legumes.

Notes

Keep in mind that you can customize couscous to match your preferred flavors and dietary preferences. You can also use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for added depth of flavor. Additionally, consider adding ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
This basic method should give you perfectly cooked couscous, and from there, you can get creative with your recipes and flavor combinations.