Couscous

Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina flour that is traditionally served with a variety of vegetables and meat or fish. It is often flavored with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and it is typically served with a broth or sauce.

Recipe
Preparation tips
Serving size
Nutrition value
Types
Couscous

Here is a simple recipe for making couscous at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and zucchini), diced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the couscous and stir to combine.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let the couscous sit for 5-10 minutes, until it has absorbed the liquid.
  3. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside.
  4. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the vegetables and raisins to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in the cooked couscous and mix well to combine.
  8. Serve the couscous hot, garnished with the toasted almonds.

You can also add cooked protein such as chicken, lamb, or beef to the couscous if you desire. Enjoy!

Tips for preparation of Couscous

Here is a simple recipe for making couscous at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and zucchini), diced
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the couscous and stir to combine.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let the couscous sit for 5-10 minutes, until it has absorbed the liquid.
  3. Fluff the couscous with a fork and set it aside.
  4. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Add the vegetables and raisins to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in the cooked couscous and mix well to combine.
  8. Serve the couscous hot, garnished with the toasted almonds.

You can also add cooked protein such as chicken, lamb, or beef to the couscous if you desire. Enjoy!

Couscous serving size

The serving size for couscous will depend on the specific dish it is being served with and the appetite of the individual. As a general guide, one serving of couscous could be considered 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup, cooked. This is equivalent to about 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup, dry.

However, it is important to note that the serving size of couscous may vary depending on the specific recipe and the role that it is playing in the meal. For example, if couscous is being served as a side dish, a smaller serving size may be appropriate. If it is being served as the main course, a larger serving size may be more appropriate.

It is also important to consider the overall balance of nutrients in your diet when determining the serving size of couscous and other high-carbohydrate foods. If you are trying to watch your intake of carbohydrates, it may be helpful to be mindful of the serving size of couscous and other starchy foods.

Couscous nutrition value

The nutrition value of couscous will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used to make it. In general, couscous is a good source of carbohydrates and provides some protein, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Here is a rough estimate of the nutrition value of one serving (about 1/2 cup, cooked) of couscous made with semolina flour:

  • Calories: 176
  • Protein: 6 grams
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Carbohydrates: 37 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams

It is important to note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Couscous may also contain additional nutrients if it is made with other ingredients, such as whole grains or vegetables.

Couscous is a naturally gluten-free food, as it is made from semolina flour, which does not contain gluten. However, it is important to note that couscous may come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients during the cooking process, so it is important to be mindful of this if you have a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

More Couscous types