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

Pasta Rice And Grains One Dish Meal Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

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 Preparation Pasta Rice And Grains Side Dishes

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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Side Dishes Easy Squash Stove Top

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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Time To Make Side Dishes Easy 30 Minutes 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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Number Of Servings Pasta Rice And Grains Equipment Chicken

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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Dietary Time To Make Low Calorie Low Fat

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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Meat Main Dish Meat Dietary

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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30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Asian For 1 Or 2

Asian Couscous

This vibrant Asian-inspired couscous side dish is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Perfect for a weeknight meal or to impress guests, this recipe combines tender couscous with savory sauteed onions, garlic, and a delicious blend of Asian-inspired spices. Get ready for rave reviews from your family – it's that good! (Cooking time includes couscous resting time.)

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Kosher 3 Steps Or Less Low Cholesterol Dietary

Asian Style Couscous

A vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired couscous recipe ready in under 30 minutes! This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a light lunch. Enjoy tender couscous infused with the aromatic flavors of ginger, garlic, and scallions, making it a delicious and healthy option.

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Preparation American Preparation Main Ingredient

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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Weeknight Preparation Time To Make Low In Something

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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Chicken Breasts Inexpensive Meat Holiday Event

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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Vegetables Course Potatoes Main Dish

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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Chicken One Dish Meal Time To Make Meat

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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Low Sodium Poultry Time To Make Low Sodium

Chicken With Dates And Moroccan Spices

Experience a taste of Marrakech with this succulent Chicken with Dates and Moroccan Spices recipe! Tender chicken pieces are braised to perfection in a rich, fragrant sauce of warming spices, sweet Medjool dates, and zesty lemon. Served alongside fluffy couscous to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

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Time To Make Time To Make Lunch Kid Friendly

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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Main Ingredient Shrimp Preparation Seafood

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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Equipment Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetables Time To Make

Tomato And Basil Couscous Salad

This vibrant Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad is the perfect summer dish! Made with fresh, homegrown ingredients (or your favorite farmer's market finds!), this recipe bursts with flavor. Imagine juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy Gorgonzola, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette all tossed with fluffy couscous and served on a bed of mixed greens and thinly sliced red onions. Quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – get ready for a taste of summer in every bite!

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