If today you are planning to make Mediterranean staples then here are some tips that you should follow. It is alright if you are bored with rice as a staple and wish to look for a replacement or to bring a change to the evening snack, couscous is an excellent idea. The best part about couscous is you can consume it anytime you want! From morning to night, no matter what is on the sides, this staple never fails to strike a bond with them! So without any more delay let us get into the discussion of things you should follow while making couscous recipes.
If you are wondering what couscous is?
Once you have heard about couscous, now you must be wondering what the utility of consuming couscous is and what exactly it is! To clear your doubts, couscous, although it looks like a grain, it isn't! Couscous is a type of pasta that is made from semolina pasta and durum wheat. Moroccan and pearl couscous are the two main varieties of couscous that you will come across. Made with fine granules, there are some small pointers that you need to keep in mind! Let's talk about that now!
To be honest, all you need is fifteen minutes to make a bowl of couscous, so they are great even when you do not have much time on your clock! And of course, how can we forget how healthy it is?
Tips to keep in mind when you make couscous
1. Always follow the 1:1 ratio of water and couscous in the bowl- so for example, if you are cooking one cup of couscous then you will need one cup of boiling water! If the water is more, then your couscous may get soggy unnecessarily while if the water is less, the couscous will turn out to be dry! Wish to maintain the ideal texture? Then you must try out the concept of 1:1 ratio. However, if you are tossing couscous into salads then it is better to keep it a little dry! This way you can keep the salad smooth and not too soggy again!
2. Broth is a better option- when you are making couscous then the better option is to make use of broth instead of water to enhance the flavor of the recipe! So if you have some chicken or vegetable broth in the refrigerator then give them a stir and use it for making the couscous! This technique will never fail you.
3. Always toast the couscous before you add it to the liquid- here is a great tip to make your couscous taste better! You can use a skillet to roast the couscous lightly! This gives a toasty flavor to the couscous making it a great bowl of delight once you prepare and serve it on the table! You will hardly need another couple of minutes to spare as you insert this additional step into the recipe. However, we can guarantee you will love the outcomes.
4. While cooking do not disturb the couscous and allow it to peacefully absorb the liquid- it is mainly the broth that is going to confer the couscous with flavors as you prepare the dish! Hence it is absolutely essential for you to allow the liquid to be absorbed by the couscous. It should be left undisturbed for at least ten minutes.
5. Fluff the couscous and then add some seasonings - to fluff the couscous you can make use of a fork and then add some seasonings to enhance the taste of the same! This you can follow according to the instructions of a particular recipe.
Now that you are well equipped with the hacks to make your couscous healthier and more tasteful, let's get into some recipes now!
Healthy and delicious couscous recipes to try out this season
1. Mediterranean couscous salad
This famous Mediterranean couscous salad consists of beans, olives, and feta cheese along with couscous of course!
What else do you need to make your salad bowl delicious and healthy?
Indulge in this lip-smacking starter right now!
2. The bright lemon couscous
Zesty and enriching, the lemon couscous salad is simply the best!
You can enjoy it for breakfast or serve it to the kids in the evening as they come home exhausted from the playground.
Filling and warm, all it takes is ten minutes to get it done.
3. Garlic parmesan couscous
The garlic parmesan couscous is another extraordinary recipe that gives a new definition to Mediterranean staples.
The cheesy garlic treat is perfect at the end of the day when you have had a tough time at work.
4. One pan lemon cod with couscous
The one-pan lemon cod with couscous is delightful and you should give it a try!
Flooded with a zesty essence, the recipe is protein-packed and such an exotic recipe for you to relish!
Are you ready to give it a try?
5. The mushroom couscous with herbs and lemon
The couscous mushroom is perhaps the most amazing of its kind!
The combination of herbs and lemon is lovely and will leave you completely smitten.
If you are a fan of mushrooms then this is an excellent idea to indulge in.
6. Skillet chicken and couscous
How can you miss out on skillet chicken and couscous!
If you are looking for a recipe to create for dinner then a bowl of succulent chicken thigh and couscous is simply outstanding.
Shall we try it then?
7. Moroccan-inspired chicken couscous
The authentic Moroccan-inspired chicken couscous is flooded with rich seasoning and veggies!
The fluffy couscous and meat are a great idea that you should prepare as a yummy meal at the end of the day!
The kids will thoroughly enjoy this as well.
8. One pot creamy sausage couscous
Packed with chopped sausages, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, the creamy couscous is wonderful to make plus the presence of parmesan and yogurt makes you crave it again and again.
Drizzle some red pepper flakes as a spicy touch.
9. Twenty minutes couscous recipe
If you are running a little late in the morning and yet wish to make something healthy then this recipe of couscous is ideal for you!
All you need is twenty minutes to create this exotic treat!
10. Southwest couscous salad
The Southwest couscous salad is a dose of refreshing in the middle of the day!
Once you are done with working out, if you feel a little hunger pang then try out this healthy salad option to fill you up.
We can guarantee you will not be disappointed even if you don't like salads.
11. Easy garlic couscous
There is no need for you to worry if you were planning to make couscous but haven't prepared for it!
All you need are ten minutes to make the garlic couscous recipe!
12. World's best Italian couscous
If you haven't tried the Italian couscous before then we must say you are missing out on something truly amazing!
The combination of cherry tomatoes, rosemary, and thyme renders you with a sense of contentment in every bite.
The gooey and rich couscous is perfect to serve as a main course.
13. One pan creamy Thai peanut chicken couscous
The couscous recipe of Thai origin is cooked with crunchy peanuts, succulent meat, and cream.
Packed with protein, this is a cozy meal that is perfect for spice lovers.
14. Cold-fighting chicken couscous soup
We understand if the long and chilling winters are here and you don't know how to keep yourself warm at night!
Perhaps the chicken couscous soup is all that you have got. Do give it a try!
15. Pearl couscous salad with tomatoes and cucumber
The pearl couscous salad gives a cool and vibrant touch to the table.
Stuffed with tomatoes and cucumber, this is the best option that you have got for the summer!
If you are on a diet, then even better.
16. Quick and easy street corn salad
The street corn salad is highly refreshing and renders you with a sense of contentment and bliss!
Loaded with corn, and creamy lime-cumin dressing, you will surely fall in love with the dish.
This Israeli couscous salad is one of a kind.
17. The summer couscous salad
The summer couscous salad consists of bell pepper, tomatoes, and cucumber to refresh your taste buds.
Flavored with feta cheese and mint, the salad is best for beating the heat of summer.
So what are you waiting for? Make it today!
18. One pot couscous with shrimp, zucchini and veggies
Why always have rice or noodles for the main course when you can make the one-pot couscous!
Cooked with shrimp, zucchini, and veggies, we are sure you will absolutely love this idea.
19. Pesto chicken with corn and bean salsa
The pesto chicken with corn and bean salsa is a sheer treat to the taste buds.
Prepared with avocado and chicken, there is hardly anybody who can resist its delightful taste.
Even the kids will not deny eating such a healthy treat!
20. Roasted veggie with lemon tahini and couscous
The roasted couscous with lemon tahini dressing is wonderful and you must give it a try!
Flooded with roasted veggies, the recipe is awesome and packed with creamy dressing!
Make the summers cool and refreshing with couscous as a side dish!
21. Hawaiian-style couscous
The sauteed veggies and couscous are seasoned with spices so your Hawaiian-style couscous turns out to be divine.
Delectable and refreshing, enjoy the excitement of heading to the beaches within the comforts of the house. Shall we then?
22. Shrimp scampi with Israeli couscous
Do you have fifteen minutes to spare before brunch? Then you must make the shrimp scampi with Israeli couscous!
The infusion of herbs like parsley gives it a distinguished flavor. Oh, and how can we miss out on mentioning lemon with butter and white wine?
Well, now you know why it tastes so good!
23. Garlic butter and mushroom couscous
Salmon is added to the couscous recipe with garlic and butter to transform it completely!
Flavored with mushrooms, you are definitely going to love this one.
Did we mention lemon, veggies, and parmesan cheese?
So there is no doubt it is going to taste heavenly.
24. Chicken couscous salad
The chicken couscous salad is a classic choice and you must give it a try!
If you are a fan of cream and chicken then the couscous salad is outstanding and you should indulge in this one.
25. Herbed couscous recipe
The infusion of garlic, herb, and lemons leaves you with a sense of fulfillment during the time of dinner.
Light and breezy, the herbed couscous is an extraordinary choice to indulge in.
26. Couscous cheddar pattie
Of course, the idea of couscous and cheddar pattie is a new recipe but we can guarantee you will love this one!
Enjoy it with a bun or sandwich during breakfast or a snack in the evening as you come back home from work, starved.
27. Mediterranean couscous salad
Loaded with cranberries and crunchy almond bits, this salad is a great accompaniment that can be included with the meal!
Especially if a bunch of guests are coming over for brunch during summer, you should make the effort of creating this salad.
28. Couscous chicken and mixed veggies
The couscous chicken with mixed veggies is not only scrumptious but also highly nutritious for you to indulge in.
Fifteen minutes and your spicy treat will be ready! Do give it a try!
29. Mushroom couscous
No recipe is as good as the mushroom couscous if you are a fan of mushrooms.
Loaded with veggies and served with herbs, this is a wonderful choice for treating yourself when you are on a diet.
So what are you waiting for? Make it today!
30. Harrisa chicken and saffron couscous
This Moroccan-inspired Harissa chicken is flooded with gorgeous flavors!
If you are not quite a fan of couscous then this recipe will turn you into a blind lover of the same.
Shall we then?
31. Moroccan cauliflower and couscous salad
Packed with cauliflower, almonds, and dry fruits, the Moroccan couscous is something that you can incorporate as staple in your meal.
The presence of lemon and paprika makes it so special for spice lovers.
Do give it a try!
Frequently asked questions associated with making couscous
1. What can you add to couscous to make it taste better?
One can add some herbs, seasonings, and spices if you wish to enhance the taste of the recipe. Of course, you can choose to keep it light and vegan and yet flavorful.
2. Why is couscous not fluffy?
If you add too much liquid like water or broth into the couscous then it might turn out to be soggy. Always maintain the proportion of 1:1 so the couscous remains fluffy when cooked.
3. Why not couscous so soft?
Allow the couscous to settle down in the steamed water and boil for a while. This will allow the couscous to become even more tender.
4. Do you need to cook couscous before cooking?
Couscous is not a grain but rather a pasta and hence there is no need for you to rinse or soak the pasta( couscous) before cooking!
5. How long should you keep couscous in water?
It is ideal for you to store the couscous in water for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Bottom Line- So without any more delay get started with the preparation already! Shall we?
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