Best 5 Simple Couscous Recipes

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Couscous, a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, is a versatile grain that can be prepared as a side dish, main course, or salad. Its light and fluffy texture makes it a popular choice for hot or cold dishes. It is enjoyed in many countries around the world and can be prepared in a variety of ways. This article will provide you with a simple recipe for cooking couscous that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SIMPLE COUSCOUS



Simple Couscous image

Gremolata is one of my favorite simple touches to transform a dish into something with that extra "zing".

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 28m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 cup instant couscous
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lemons, zested and juiced
Pinch sea salt
1 garlic clove, peeled and grated
6 ounces or 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves washed, dried and roughly chopped
1 splash extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Couscous: Bring the water to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat, then turn off the heat.
  • In a shallow baking dish combine the couscous, salt and olive oil, tossing to coat. Add in the warm water and smooth the couscous into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes by the stove.
  • Gremolata: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice with the sea salt, garlic and parsley. Stir in enough olive oil to blend and bring the ingredients together. Taste for seasoning.
  • When ready to serve, flake the couscous with a fork and taste for seasoning. If the texture is a little too al dente, microwave the dish for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Reseason the couscous with salt, if necessary. Toss it with the gremolata and, again, taste for seasoning.

SIMPLE SESAME CHICKEN WITH COUSCOUS



Simple Sesame Chicken with Couscous image

I created this dish after my three kids tried Chinese takeout and asked for more. To make things easy for myself, I typically use a rotisserie chicken from the deli. -Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups coleslaw mix
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup reduced-fat Asian toasted sesame salad dressing, divided
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Chopped peanuts, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork., In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add coleslaw mix; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or just until tender. Add green onions, 2 tablespoons dressing and couscous; heat through. Remove couscous from pan; keep warm., In same skillet, add chicken and remaining dressing; cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Serve over couscous; top with cilantro and, if desired, peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 442mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SIMPLE GREEK COUSCOUS



Simple Greek Couscous image

Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese add a Greek flair to a classic Mediterranean pasta.

Provided by DontWastetheCrumbs.com

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup water
1 cup couscous
⅔ cup chopped kalamata olives, liquid reserved
⅔ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, oil reserved
1 (4 ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from the heat, and stir in couscous. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • Mix olives, red bell pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, and couscous together in a bowl. Stir about 1 tablespoon liquid from olives and 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes into the couscous mixture until moistened. Add more oil as needed. Fold in feta cheese; sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.9 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 16.8 mg, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.3 g, Sodium 555.4 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

SIMPLE COUSCOUS



Simple Couscous image

I got this recipe from the Rachel Ray Show. I make it with Recipe #195552 - a great combination that my family loved - my almost 14 year old daughter actually ate everything on her plate!! ;) Love or hate RR, Don't knock it till you try it.

Provided by Mommy Diva

Categories     Potluck

Time 15m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 cups couscous
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, defrosted
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped (about a handful)
4 sprigs of fresh mint, leaves removed and chopped
1 tablespoon butter
sea salt
ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat 1 1/2 cups of the chicken stock and 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add the couscous, cinnamon, peas and salt and pepper to taste. Stir quickly to mix and take pan off the heat.
  • Let couscous stand covered for 5 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and stir in toasted almonds, parsley and mint.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.5, Fat 8.5, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 11.2, Sodium 280.4, Carbohydrate 66.7, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 6.1, Protein 16.6

COUSCOUS DE MOUTON TOUT SIMPLE (MOROCCAN MUTTON COUSCOUS)



Couscous de Mouton Tout Simple (Moroccan Mutton Couscous) image

Simple Moroccan recipe for couscous with mutton.

Provided by Francine32

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews

Time 2h13m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pounds lamb shoulder, chopped into pieces
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
2 tomatoes, diced
½ (10.75 ounce) can tomato puree
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon ras el hanout
1 pinch saffron threads
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ quarts water
6 (5.8 ounce) boxes couscous
4 zucchini, cut into thick slices
4 turnips, quartered
4 carrots, cut into thick slices
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add lamb; cook and stir until browned on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, tomato puree, onion, ras el hanout, saffron, salt, and pepper. Cover with 1 1/2 quarts water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors combine, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour couscous into a very large bowl. Cover with 1 1/2 cups water. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a couscous steamer insert.
  • Stir zucchini, turnips, carrots, and celery into the pot. Set couscous steamer on top; cover and steam until tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Spoon couscous back into the bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter and fluff with a fork. Serve lamb and chickpea stew on top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 917.2 calories, Carbohydrate 119.5 g, Cholesterol 96.1 mg, Fat 32.9 g, Fiber 12.3 g, Protein 35.3 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 444.4 mg, Sugar 8.3 g

Tips for Perfect Couscous:

  • Use boiling liquid: Couscous cooks best when it's added to boiling liquid. This helps the grains absorb the liquid quickly and evenly, resulting in fluffy, separate grains.
  • Cover the pot: Once you've added the couscous to the boiling liquid, cover the pot and let it cook undisturbed. This will help the couscous to steam and cook evenly.
  • Let it rest: After the couscous has cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help the grains to absorb any remaining liquid and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Fluff with a fork: Once the couscous has rested, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. This will help to create a light and airy texture.
  • Use a variety of liquids: Couscous can be cooked in a variety of liquids, such as water, broth, or even milk. Experiment with different liquids to find the flavor you like best.
  • Add flavorings: Couscous is a blank canvas that can be flavored with a variety of ingredients. Try adding herbs, spices, vegetables, or even dried fruit to your couscous for a flavorful dish.

Conclusion:

With its quick cooking time and versatile flavor profile, couscous is a great option for busy weeknight meals or easy entertaining. Whether you're serving it as a side dish, main course, or salad, couscous is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give couscous a try!

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