Pasta/Grain | Vegetarian Low Fat

Couscous

Triticum durum Allergens: Wheat,Gluten
Couscous

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine North African,Middle Eastern
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Durum Wheat

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A North African staple made from steamed and dried semolina wheat, commonly served as a base for stews or in salads.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild,Slightly Nutty
TextureFluffy,Light,Granular
AromaSubtle,Cereal-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Cooking Time (Moroccan)

~5 minutes

Cultural Origin

North Africa

Primary Ingredient

Durum Wheat Semolina

Nutrition Facts

Per 60g (cooked)
Calories112 kcal
Total Fat0.16 g
Saturated Fat0.032 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein3.79 g
Total Carbohydrate23.22 g
Dietary Fiber1.4 g
Total Sugars0.1 g
Calcium8 mg
Iron0.38 mg
Potassium58 mg

Chef’s Secret

Toast couscous lightly in olive oil before adding liquid for a nuttier flavor and to prevent sticking.

Substitutions

Best Match

Quinoa

1:1

Gluten-free, similar light texture, adds protein, slightly more distinct flavor.

Bulgur Wheat

1:1

Similar wheat product, slightly chewier texture, good for salads and bases.

Rice

1:1

White or brown rice works as a neutral base, longer cook time.

Cauliflower Rice

1:1

Low-carb, gluten-free, very mild flavor, requires minimal cooking.

Buying Guide

Choose fine-grained instant couscous for quick preparation or Israeli (pearl) couscous for chewier texture.

Flavor Pairings

Tagines roasted vegetables chickpeas fresh herbs lemon chicken fish.

Recipes Using Couscous

Main Dish Pasta Rice And Grains European Preparation

Add A Little Interest With Persian Couscous

Quick, vibrant, and flavorful! This Persian couscous recipe is a weeknight dinner hero. Perfect for busy cooks, this colorful dish boasts delightful textures and is ready in under 20 minutes. Serve it as a vibrant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Inspired by Alison & Simon Holst's easy vegetarian cookbook, this recipe is a family favorite – even picky eaters will love it!

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Time To Make Time To Make Picnic Cuisine

African Couscous Salad

A vibrant and refreshing African couscous salad, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. This recipe, inspired by Raley's magazine, features fluffy couscous tossed with toasted almonds, a zesty orange dressing, and your favorite fresh vegetables. Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes (plus chilling time)!

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4 Hours Or Less Course Cuisine Preparation

Algerian Stew For Couscous

Experience the rich flavors of Algeria with this family-secret Tagine, traditionally served with fluffy couscous. This hearty stew, simmered for over two hours, is a true feast—perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weekend meal. While it requires some time, the result is incredibly tender meat and vibrant vegetables infused with warm spices. Don't have ras el hanout? No problem! We'll guide you through a delicious alternative using readily available spices. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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15 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Occasion Easy

Almond Orange Couscous

Elevate your weeknight meals with this vibrant and flavorful Almond Orange Couscous! This foolproof recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect side for lentils, stew, lamb, or beef. The nutty almonds, zesty orange, and fragrant cilantro create a delicious and aromatic experience that will impress your family and friends. Source: Cuisine at Home.

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Main Ingredient Fruit Vegetables Easy

Apple And Mint Couscous

This vibrant Apple & Mint Couscous Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Inspired by a Ricardo recipe, this recipe features the sweetness of Paula Red apples balanced by the refreshing mint and fluffy couscous. A delightful blend of textures and tastes, it's quick, easy, and sure to become a new favorite! (Originally made September 5, 2011)

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Easy Preparation Main Ingredient 3 Steps Or Less

Apricot Couscous

Elevate your weeknight meal with this vibrant Apricot Couscous recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this exotic side dish bursts with sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and fresh herbs. Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a vegetarian delight.

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Preparation Number Of Servings Inexpensive 30 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Glazed Chicken And Couscous

Weeknight dinner just got easier (and tastier!) with this 19-minute Apricot Glazed Chicken and Couscous recipe! Perfect for two, this recipe is ready faster than takeout and delivers incredible flavor. Impress your date or enjoy a delicious, healthy meal after a long day – no compromises needed.

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Low Fat 60 Minutes Or Less Low Fat Low Sodium

Apricot Dijon Mustard Chicken With Couscous

This 33-minute recipe delivers a burst of flavor with sweet apricot and tangy Dijon mustard coating juicy chicken breasts. Served atop fluffy couscous, it's a weeknight winner! Garnish with fresh lime and basil for an extra touch of elegance. Perfect for busy weeknights, this complete meal comes together in under 40 minutes. Find the inspiration from Bellingham Covenant Church's cookbook (Bellingham, WA).

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Poultry Time To Make Main Ingredient Course

Asian Chicken Kabobs

These mouthwatering Asian Chicken Kabobs are bursting with flavor! Tender chicken and vibrant vegetables marinated in a savory soy, sherry, and garlic mixture, then grilled to perfection. Serve these delicious skewers over fluffy seasoned rice or couscous for a complete and unforgettable meal. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue!

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Seasonal 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Time To Make

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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Main Dish Occasion Low Sodium Inexpensive

Baked Couscous With Tomato And Pesto

A comforting and vibrant Donna Hay-inspired winter recipe! This baked couscous dish features sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, a vibrant spinach pesto, and fluffy couscous, all baked to perfection for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

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Inexpensive Occasion Pasta Rice And Grains Easy

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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Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Dietary Course

Balsamic Tomato Couscous

This vibrant Balsamic Tomato Couscous is a surprisingly easy and delicious side dish that's perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion! A slight twist on a classic recipe, this couscous salad boasts burstingly fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. So good, it practically disappeared at my last potluck – get ready for requests! It's quick to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes!), healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant side.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Preparation Beginner Cook 3 Steps Or Less

Basic Couscous

This simple couscous recipe is a delicious and healthy weeknight meal! Perfect for beginners, it's packed with flavor and cooks in just 15 minutes. Serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken and vegetables or use it as a base for your favorite Mediterranean-inspired creations. Get ready to enjoy fluffy, perfectly cooked couscous in minutes!

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Course Beef Meat Fruit

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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Dinner Party Moroccan Main Ingredient Main Dish

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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Pasta Rice And Grains South West Pacific 15 Minutes Or Less Cuisine

Lime And Coriander Couscous

This vibrant Lime & Coriander Couscous recipe is a quick, refreshing, and flavorful alternative to your usual couscous preparation. Bursting with zesty lime and fragrant coriander, this dish is perfect as a light lunch, a side for grilled meats, or a refreshing addition to your summer table. Ready in just 10 minutes!

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Low In Something Seafood Preparation Healthy

Shrimp With Feta Over Couscous

This vibrant Shrimp with Feta Over Couscous recipe is a summer sensation! Enjoy succulent shrimp in a bright, lemony sauce, perfectly complemented by fluffy couscous and salty feta. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a delightful weekend gathering. Prep time is minimal if you buy pre-cleaned shrimp!

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