Couscous

Triticum durum (derived from durum wheat semolina) Grain, Pasta, Staple

Couscous Grain, Pasta, Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Grain, Pasta, Staple

The Forktionary Angle

"The tiny grain with big flavor: mastering couscous for diverse dishes."

Definition

Small, steamed granules of rolled durum wheat semolina, a staple in North African cuisine, known for its quick cooking and fluffy texture.

Cooking Time (Moroccan) ~5 minutes
Cultural Origin North Africa
Primary Ingredient Durum Wheat Semolina

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Couscous are:

Mild Nutty Wheat-like Absorbs surrounding flavors

Chef’s Secret

Fluff couscous with a fork after steaming and incorporate a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil, along with fresh herbs, for maximum flavor and separation.

Best Substitutes

Quinoa

for texture/nutritional profile
Ratio 1:1

Orzo pasta

for shape/texture
Ratio 1:1

Bulgur wheat

for texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose fine (Moroccan) or pearl (Israeli) depending on desired texture; check for whole wheat options.

Recipes Using Couscous

Vegan Main Ingredient Hanukkah Oven

Baked Couscous With Tomatoes

This vibrant baked couscous recipe is a delicious and unexpected twist on a classic side dish. Sweet tomatoes mingle with savory onions and aromatic spices for a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side, this recipe is easy to customize – add diced green chiles for extra heat! Ready in under an hour.

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Weeknight Poultry Main Dish Meat

Barbecued Drumsticks With Orange Couscous

Fire up your grill for this vibrant and economical 30-minute meal! Juicy barbecued drumsticks meet a bright and flavorful orange couscous, bursting with the crunch of walnuts and the sweetness of orange segments. A quick, easy, and delicious recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. #barbecuedchicken #chickendrumsticks #couscous #oranges #weeknightdinner #easyrecipe #grilling #recipe+

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Occasion Vegetables Dietary Served Cold

25 Minute Tunisian Vegetable Couscous

This vibrant 25-minute Tunisian vegetable couscous is the perfect summer recipe! Quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable, it's a satisfying vegetarian meal that even meat-lovers will crave. The couscous cooks gently, absorbing the flavorful vegetable broth, and can be served slightly warm or at room temperature – perfect for a make-ahead meal. Our unique orange zest and spiced almond garnish elevates this dish to a culinary delight. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein!

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Time To Make Meat Time To Make Preparation

Beef Tagine Using Prune Juice And Couscous

Experience a taste sensation with this slow-cooked Beef Tagine! Inspired by a classic English cookbook, this recipe uses prune juice for an unexpected depth of flavor. Simmered gently in an iron pot, the beef becomes incredibly tender, allowing the spices to meld beautifully with the sweet and savory ingredients. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with fluffy couscous for a complete and satisfying culinary journey.

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African Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less Easy

West African's Finest Mafe

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of West Africa with Iba Thiam's authentic Mafe recipe! This creamy peanut stew, packed with tender vegetables and fragrant spices, is a culinary masterpiece. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Dietary Time To Make Egg Free Vegan

8 Grain Mix

Elevate your meals with this flavorful 8-grain mix, inspired by San Francisco's Medicine Restaurant! Use it as a delicious and nutritious replacement for rice, a vibrant addition to jasmine or basmati rice, or even as a sushi base. This bulk-friendly recipe is packed with wholesome grains and adds a unique texture and taste to any dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions!

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One Dish Meal Vegetables Potatoes Steaks

Beef Curry With Apples And Raisins

This winter, I experimented with curry powder, resulting in this incredible Beef Curry with Apples and Raisins! It's a surprisingly delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors – mild curry spices balanced by juicy apples and plump raisins. The tender beef simmers to perfection, creating a rich and aromatic dish. Served over fluffy couscous (though brown rice works too!), this recipe is a cozy comfort food that's surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course African Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

Algerian Vegetable Couscous

Embark on a culinary journey to Algeria with this fragrant and delicious vegetable couscous recipe! Inspired by my food blog, "Travel by Stove," this vibrant dish is a true taste of North Africa. Couscous, the national dish of Algeria, is transformed into a flavorful masterpiece with a blend of warming spices and tender vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is a must-try for adventurous home cooks. Get ready to explore the world, one delicious bite at a time!

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African Course Healthy 2 Main Ingredient

Algerian Couscous

Discover the rich history and vibrant flavors of Algeria with this authentic Couscous recipe! Influenced by Berber, Arab, European, and Asian culinary traditions, this hearty stew and fluffy couscous is a taste sensation. Learn to create this masterpiece, a true testament to Algeria's diverse heritage.

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Main Ingredient Chicken Main Dish Grains

Balsamic Chicken With Garlic Couscous

Experience the magic of Donna Hay's Balsamic Chicken with Garlic Couscous! This 20-minute recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich balsamic glaze, perfectly paired with fluffy garlic couscous. A simple yet elegant weeknight meal that's sure to impress.

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Meat 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Course

African Peanut Soup With Mustard Greens

This award-winning African Peanut Soup recipe, featuring vibrant mustard greens, is a flavor explosion! Inspired by a beloved magazine recipe and perfected at a potluck (where it disappeared in minutes!), this hearty soup boasts a rich peanut butter base, tender vegetables, and a hint of warming spice. Easily adjustable for spice preference, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressive potluck contribution. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Grains Low Sodium Vegetarian Low Fat

Autumn Couscous

This vibrant Autumn Couscous recipe is a healthy and delicious vegetarian delight! Roasted sweet potatoes, fragrant spices, and fluffy couscous combine for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for cooler evenings. Get ready to savor the taste of fall with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Preparation Stove Top Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains

Almond Coriander Couscous

This vibrant Almond Coriander Couscous recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Sweet currants, crunchy almonds, and fragrant coriander combine with fluffy couscous for a delightful dish ready in just 11 minutes! Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or a satisfying vegetarian dinner.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Preparation Meat

Beef Vegetables

Transform tough steak into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with this flavorful Moroccan-inspired stew! Accidentally bought a tougher cut? No problem! This recipe uses a long, slow simmering technique to tenderize the beef, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish bursting with tender vegetables. Served over fluffy rice or couscous, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Chicken Chicken Chicken Thighs Legs One Dish Meal

Best Chicken Tagine

Unlock the secrets of Melbourne's Mecca Bah with this irresistible Chicken Tagine recipe! Inspired by their famed dish, this customized version delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavors. A blend of warming spices and tender chicken creates a culinary masterpiece you won't soon forget. Easy to follow instructions and achievable for all skill levels. Try it and discover why this is the best Chicken Tagine recipe!

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Grains 60 Minutes Or Less African Taste Mood

Baked Couscous With Summer Squash

This light and flavorful Baked Couscous with Summer Squash is a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any occasion! Featuring tender summer squash, herbs, and creamy cheese, this recipe is naturally low in fat and easily adaptable for vegetarians. Inspired by Cooking Light magazine, it's a delicious and healthy addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or summer barbecue.

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Low In Something Main Ingredient Low Sodium Beginner Cook

Baked Couscous Pilaf

This incredibly easy baked couscous pilaf is the perfect vegetarian side dish or a satisfying light dinner! A fantastic way to use up leftover roasted carrots and nuts, this recipe is bursting with flavor and ready in under an hour. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dish.

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4 Hours Or Less Easy Potluck Pasta Rice And Grains

Balsamic Beet Lemon Thyme And Chili Couscous Salad

A vibrant and healthy couscous salad bursting with flavor! Sweet roasted beets, zesty lemon, fragrant thyme, and a hint of chili create a delicious and satisfying meal, perfectly complemented by poached chicken (optional). This easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, weeknight dinner, or a potluck contribution. Prepare to impress!

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