How to Cook Couscous

Be the first to review!

Couscous is super easy to make and an excellent base for so many different recipes. We have basic instructions as well as 4 popular flavoring options for both traditional couscous and Israeli couscous. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll want to serve it up weekly – at least!

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian, North African

Keyword: Couscous

Servings: servings

Author: Rachel Farnsworth

Ingredients

Plain Couscous

2 1/2 cups water (or chicken broth)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups couscous

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil over high heat.
Stir in couscous and cover the saucepan with a lid.
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.
Fluff couscous with a fork and serve hot.

Video

[yeetvid]

Notes

Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the saucepan and saute 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic in the oil for 60-90 seconds before adding in water and bringing to a boil.

Parmesan Couscous

Use 2 1/2 cups chicken broth instead of water and 1 tablespoon butter in place of olive oil. When fluffing cooked couscous with a fork, slowly sprinkle in 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese to disperse throughout the couscous.

Herbed Chicken Couscous

Use 2 1/2 cups chicken broth instead of water. At the same time as the salt add in 1/2 teaspoon onion powder along with 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried parsley, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon dried sage.

Mediterranean Couscous

At the same time as the salt, add in 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cumin, onion powder, and dried rosemary, along with 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder, ground turmeric, followed by a generous pinch of ground cinnamon.

If using Israeli Couscous (Pearl Couscous), increase the amount of water (or broth) used to 3 cups. This type of couscous needs to simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, before covering and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Nutrition