How Do You Cook Couscous?

When it comes to quick and easy dinners it is hard to beat couscous. These fluffy semolina grains cook in just minutes although one should keep an eye on the water-to-grain ratio to ensure the best result. Curious about how to cook couscous? We'll break down the process and offer tasty recipes you can try at home.

How Do You Cook Couscous?

The focus of this article is Morrocan couscous, tiny grains made from semolina flour that are quick-cooking and a great substitute for rice.

Couscous can be prepared with a few vegetables or dried fruits, but it is also great served with just a little butter or a drizzle of olive oil.

How To Cook Couscous: An Easy Method

In order to avoid soggy couscous, you'll need to get the water ratio right. The best couscous will result from using a 1:1 ratio of water and couscous (by weight). Here is the cooking process:

Bring the slightly salty water to the boil.
When the water boils, turn off the heat and pour the semolina with a dash of olive oil.
Stir with a fork and cover the pan. Let the couscous swell for 5 minutes.
When the couscous is fully hydrated, fluff with the fork and add a knob of butter.
Tip: you can enhance the flavor by adding a bouillion cube (vegetable or poultry) in your water or season it with spices.

How To Prepare Couscous: The Recipes

Couscous offers a world of flavor combinations, here are some of our favorites:

COUSCOUS SALAD WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

A hearty dish perfect for lunch or dinner flavored with coriander and scallions. Get the recipe here.

VEGETARIAN COUSCOUS WITH LEMON, PEPPERS AND OLIVES

A simple couscous fix filled with those classic Mediterranean flavours. Perfect to pack up for lunch or to make ahead and enjoy during the week.

Try the recipe.

GRILLED TUNA SKEWERS WITH ORANGE AND GINGER ON COUSCOUS

Middle Eastern flavours come through in this zesty orange and ginger dish with succulent tuna skewers.

Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables

Classic Moroccan style couscous cooked in the traditional method comes packed full of flavour and vegetables, a perfect solution for a more comforting meal.