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Authentic Couscous Recipe

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by

Victor Gourmand
in
Cooking Authentic Couscous

Authentic Couscous: Cook a Perfect Side Dish at Home

My authentic couscous recipe is one of the most delicious side dishes you have ever cooked!

➡️ Authentic couscous is one of the dishes I try to cook more often, but I never manage to do that! The exact reasons are not clear to me, the fact that it is probably not very common in the shops in the area where I live plays an important role.

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➡️ Of course, I had the opportunity to eat authentic couscous a few times and I really liked it, so I want to include it more often in my diet. Besides being tasty, couscous is a healthier alternative to the many side dishes we often use, which is why I highly recommend it.

➡️ But what is an authentic couscous? If you’re not very familiar with this food, here is a short description: “Couscous is a North African dish of small steamed granules of rolled durum wheat semolina that is traditionally served with a stew spooned on top. Pearl millet, sorghum, Bulgur, and other cereals can be cooked in a similar way in other regions and the resulting dishes are also sometimes called couscous.” (Couscous)

➡️ Authentic couscous is a staple food in many North African countries, and it is usually served as a side dish or as a main meal. The grains are tiny and resemble small pearls or grains of sand, and they are made by rolling moistened semolina wheat in a circular motion until they form small balls. The couscous balls are then steamed, either alone or with other ingredients, until they are tender and fluffy.

➡️ The vegetable stew that is traditionally served with couscous is made with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas, and it is flavored with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. The stew is usually simmered for a long time to develop a rich and complex flavor.

➡️ As a result, authentic couscous is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also versatile and can be customized according to your taste preferences. You can add different vegetables and spices to the stew, or even add some meat or seafood for a heartier dish.

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How to Make Couscous from Scratch at Home

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Cooking Authentic Couscous

Authentic Couscous

Authentic couscous is a flavorful and aromatic dish that originates from North Africa. It's a vegetarian meal made with steamed semolina grains, mixed vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is a wholesome and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
There are many variations of the dish, with some recipes including protein such as chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant, or butternut squash, to create new and exciting flavors.
Couscous is a healthy and nutritious meal, with semolina grains providing a good source of carbohydrates and protein. The vegetables used in the dish are also high in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
When making authentic Couscous, it's important to use a mix of fresh and flavorful vegetables, such as onions, garlic, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. A blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika add depth of flavor to the dish.
To get the best results, it's recommended to use a high-quality semolina grain couscous and to follow the cooking instructions carefully. This will ensure that the couscous is cooked to perfection and is light and fluffy in texture.
With a little bit of practice and experimentation, you can create your own unique version of authentic couscous that's sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine African
Servings 4 servings
Calories

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups couscous
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent.
  • Add the carrots and zucchini, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to soften.
  • Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • While the stew is simmering, prepare the couscous according to the package instructions.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork and transfer to a large serving dish.
  • Ladle the vegetable stew over the couscous and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Authentic Couscous!

Notes

Cooking Tips:
  • Use a high-quality semolina grain couscous for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the vegetables in the stew. They should be tender but still retain some texture and crunch.
  • Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more paprika or chili flakes.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to the stew before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Keyword authentic couscous recipe, couscous, couscous recipe

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Cooking Authentic Couscous at Home is a Breeze!

➡️ Couscous is typically served with a meat stew, vegetable stew, or soup, but sometimes also as an appetizer. It can be cooked either by boiling or steaming and is often eaten in the Middle East and North Africa, so most recipes come from these regions and feature typical flavorings, which make it more appetizing to me since I like strong aromas in food.

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➡️ Cooking couscous is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so easy and satisfying, and it can be made into so many different dishes. You can serve couscous as is, or add vegetables or other spices to make it more interesting. I sometimes make couscous for breakfast, by mixing it with yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola.

➡️ There are regional variations such as Israeli couscous (named pearl couscous, it’s larger and resembles tiny pieces of pasta, it cooks in about 10 minutes), Moroccan couscous (the smallest regarding the size of semolina, so it cooks in a couple of minutes), and Lebanese couscous (called Moghrabieh couscous, is the largest couscous type, so it takes the longest to cook). Still, I’m not an expert in authentic couscous cooking, so I’m inspired by other people’s recipes (see below.)

➡️ Mediterranean diet has been around for thousands of years, but its origins are unclear. It is thought to have originated in the eastern Mediterranean, where over the centuries, foods such as olive oil, herbs, and spices have been added to create the complex flavors and tastes that are uniquely Mediterranean! And couscous is one of the most representative Mediterranean dishes!

➡️ For more delicious Mediterranean food recipes, I recommend you my cookbook Effective Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for 15 Days.

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