Couscous
Couscous
Couscous is a versatile and quick-to-prepare dish that’s a staple in many North African cuisines. It’s often served as a side or base for a variety of toppings. Here’s a basic recipe for making couscous, along with a couple of variations to enhance it.
Basic Couscous Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Liquid:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if using water.
- Add the Couscous:
- Stir in the couscous and remove the saucepan from heat immediately.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to steam and absorb the liquid.
- Fluff and Serve:
- After 5 minutes, remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps.
- Stir in the olive oil or butter for added flavor and richness.
- Serve:
- Serve the couscous warm as a side dish or base for your main course.
Variations and Add-Ins
1. Herbed Couscous:
- Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or mint after fluffing the couscous.
- You can also mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty flavor.
2. Mediterranean Couscous:
- Mix in 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup sliced olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh basil or oregano for extra flavor.
3. Couscous with Vegetables:
- Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and zucchini in a bit of olive oil until tender. Stir the cooked vegetables into the couscous.
- You can also add roasted vegetables or steamed greens like spinach or kale.
4. Spiced Couscous:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander, and a pinch of cinnamon to the boiling liquid for a spiced version.
- Garnish with toasted almonds or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
5. Couscous Salad:
- Combine cooked couscous with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add feta cheese or chickpeas for protein and additional flavor.
Tips:
- Fluffing: Always fluff the couscous with a fork to keep it light and prevent clumping.
- Liquid Ratio: The typical ratio is 1 cup couscous to 1 cup liquid, but check the package instructions as some brands may vary.
- Resting Time: Letting the couscous sit covered after cooking allows it to fully absorb the liquid and results in a better texture.
Enjoy your couscous as a delicious and adaptable side dish or main course!