It's not for nothing that couscous is one of our biggest staples for quick weeknight dinners. This grain-like pasta cooks in the blink of an eye and is absolutely foolproof. If you can boil water, I guarantee you can make couscous.
The couscous that most of us pick up at the local grocery store is actually instant couscous. This is couscous that has already been steamed and dried for us. It only needs to be mixed with boiling water and allowed to sit undisturbed for a few minutes before being ready to eat.
The proportions for cooking couscous are generally 1:1. A little less water makes drier couscous, good for salads or serving with sauces. A little more water makes softer and slightly sticky couscous. One cup of dried couscous makes about four cups of cooked couscous.
What You Need
Ingredients
1 cup instant couscous
1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (optional)
1 cup water or broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
Equipment
sauce pan with lid
fork
Instructions
1. Bring the Water to a Boil - Pour the water and butter (if using) into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Stir in the Couscous - Remove the pan from heat and pour in the couscous and salt. Stir to evenly moisten the couscous.
3. Wait 10 Minutes - Cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes. If the couscous hasn't absorbed the water or still tastes crunchy after this time, cover and let it sit for a few more minutes.
4. Fluff with a Fork - Gently break apart and fluff the cooked couscous with a fork before serving. If the rest of dinner isn't quite done, re-cover the pan after fluffing to keep the couscous warm.
Additional Notes:
• Microwave Version - Pour the couscous into a heat-proof bowl. Bring the water to a boil in the microwave and then pour over the couscous. Stir to moisten, cover the bowl with a dinner plate or plastic wrap, and wait 10 minutes. Fluff and serve.
• Toasted Couscous - Toasting gives the couscous more flavor. Melt the butter or olive oil in the saucepan. Stir in the couscous until it smells fragrant and toasty. Boil the water separately, pour over the couscous, and proceed as normal.
• Spiced Couscous - Try adding spices along with the couscous for a more flavorful dish. Start with 1/2 teaspoon total spices and adjust from there.
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Related: Couscous Salad with Winter Squash and Cranberries
(Images: Emma Christensen)
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I didn't like cous cous too much until I had Israeli cous cous. It's much bigger & has a great flavor, especially if the grains are toasted before boiling. Not all stores carry it & it's more expensive. Soaks up sauces deliciously :)
What about Israeli cous cous? It is my favourite! I think it requires a bit more water. I love it and add fresh ground Anise to it. Add it to some kale & salmon & voila! AMAZING! Great post! Thanks!
I bought a packet of couscous(whole wheat) from Trader Joes. Everytime I make it, there seems to be some sort of grittiness in it. Like theres some sand mixed in. Is this normal? This is the first time I have purchased the whole wheat version. Any ideas/ suggestions?
I really like couscous, but I've almost entirely replaced it with quinoa which is just as quick and easy to make, but so much healthier!
@Food-Lover -- TJs whole wheat couscous is my go-to fast grain (though quinoa is coming up a close second). I've never had a problem with grittiness. Maybe you just need to add a bit more liquid?
Thirding the recommendation for pearl (Israeli) couscous. It's delicious!
Emberz- Thank you for the suggestion. I did try that, but its still gritty, am taking the box back to check with TJ's.
Its a fav!