20 Couscous Recipe Ideas That Are Easy, Comforting and Unexpected (2024)

food

By Taryn Pire

•

Published Feb 26, 2023

You’re mostly familiar with the boxed instant kind (the five-minute one is a savior), but the truth is that couscous is just as easy to prepare from scratch, and it can complement just about any main. Whether you stuff it in a whole chicken, throw it on a salad or swap it in for rice, these tiny granules of semolina-based deliciousness arealways an easy win. Read on for 20 couscous recipe ideas that won’t disappoint.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

1. 15-Minute Mediterranean Couscous

Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, beginner-friendly, high protein

Whoever said cooking was hard never tried this lightning-fast recipe. The fussiest part is boiling the couscous; the rest is just tossing it with tomatoes and pantry staples.

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PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: DEREK LAUGHREN

2. Moroccan Couscous-Stuffed Cornish Hens

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: high protein, special occasion-worthy

Serve this at your next dinner party and you'll become the hostess with the mostest in an instant. The stuffing is dappled with dried apricots and slivered almonds for texture.

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Peter Som

3. Sheet Pan Honey Tahini Salmon with Chickpeas and Couscous

Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why We Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe, high protein

Forget waiting for a pot of water to boil to make the couscous. It cooks right on the sheet pan alongside the salmon in chicken stock instead.

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David Loftus/Ultimate Veg

4. Vegetable Tagine with Fluffy Couscous

Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, beginner-friendly

You can really use any veggie you'd like, whether you're feeling carrots, eggplant, zucchini or winter squash. Follow Jamie Oliver's lead and crown your plate with a dollop of yogurt and a drizzle of harissa.

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Eleisa Johnson/The Peach Truck Cookbook

5. Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas, Eggplant and Peaches

Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why We Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion-worthy, vegan

You won't believe how creamy this dish actually is, courtesy of nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Substitute apricots, plums or cherries for peaches if you'd prefer.

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Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...

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20 Couscous Recipe Ideas That Are Easy, Comforting and Unexpected (2024)

FAQs

What can I put in couscous to make it taste better? ›

Once cooked, couscous pairs nicely with North African and Middle Eastern spices and ingredients. Fresh soft herbs like parsley, mint and coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, garlic, lemon, preserved lemon, olives, chilli, pomegranate, almonds and dried fruits are all good friends of couscous.

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What pairs well with couscous? ›

Couscous can be served as a side dish or a main meal, and goes well with beef, chicken, fish, lamb or as part of a vegetarian meal (with beans, tofu, etc.) You can also stir in additional ingredients (vegetables, nuts, dried fruit) to add something special to your couscous and make it a more substantial dish.

What are the three types of couscous? ›

There are various types of couscous; the most popular ones are Moroccan, Israeli and Lebanese. The smallest, Moroccan is about three times the size of cornmeal and cooks up in about five minutes. Israeli couscous (a.k.a. pearl couscous) is the type my family prefers.

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What the heck is couscous? ›

Contrary to popular belief, couscous is neither a grain nor a seed; it's a form of pasta made from a dry mixture of semolina and water that's rolled in very tiny irregular pieces. When couscous was made daily by hand, a bowl of semolina was mixed and tossed while water was gradually added and rubbed into the mixture.

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Is couscous healthier than rice? ›

While couscous and white rice have almost the same amount of calories per 100 grams, couscous contains more protein and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals so can be considered a healthier option in those departments. Both grains can support weight loss when incoporated into a balanced, healthy diet.

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What do you usually eat couscous with? ›

This versatile fast food is an essential storecupboard staple - just soak it in hot water and in ten minutes you'll have an accompaniment to meat, fish, cooked vegetables or tagines, or the makings of a hearty salad.

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Is couscous good for bowel movement? ›

Source of fibre. Couscous is a source of fibre, but to optimise levels, it's worth looking for wholemeal couscous, which is made from the whole grain. Fibre supports digestive health and alleviates constipation, and research suggests it may help improve levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

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Why is couscous so important to the body? ›

The fibre content also helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports a healthy heart. Nutrient Density: Packed with essential nutrients like selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins, couscous can contribute to your overall well-being.

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Is couscous healthier than pasta? ›

Couscous has a nutritional profile similar to white pasta, high in carbohydrates without other health benefits such as fiber or protein content. If you are looking to enjoy food with a higher carbohydrate content, there isn't much difference between choosing pasta or couscous.

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What is the healthiest couscous? ›

Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous

A whole wheat version of traditional pearl couscous, this variety is a delicious way to bring the nutrition of whole grains to your dinner table. Plus, this couscous's light, fluffy texture and nutty flavor make it easy to enjoy with just about everything.

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Is couscous healthier than quinoa? ›

The verdict. Quinoa, hands down. The similarities are deceptive… Quinoa is a complete protein, can be part of a gluten-free diet, has more nutrients and double the fibre of couscous. And, when cooked, it has a lower GI, so it should help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

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Is couscous a carb or protein? ›

Though couscous contains limited amounts of blood-sugar-lowering protein, it's fairly high in carbs, with 36 grams per cup (157 grams) (1). Those with blood sugar issues or diabetes should be cautious when consuming moderate- to high-carb foods.

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Why is couscous so fattening? ›

The way you prepare your couscous makes a big difference in the nutritional benefits you gain when you eat it. Many people boil it in water with a small amount of butter or olive oil. In that case, the total calories will increase as well as the fat content, depending on the amount of butter or oil you use.

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Why is couscous only on Friday? ›

Most Moroccans practice the religion of Islam. The holy day for Muslims is Friday, just as Sunday is a holy day for Christians. Fridays are reserved for prayer and rest. This is why Moroccans gather with their family and friends to share couscous on Fridays, following midday prayers.

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What is couscous traditionally eaten with? ›

It is commonly served with vegetables, meat, or fish. In Algeria, there are various types of couscous dishes.

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How do you freshen up couscous? ›

To reheat, add 1 to 3 tablespoons water for each cup of leftover couscous or pilaf (couscous may need more water depending on the wattage of your microwave as it tends to dry out faster than pilaf). Stir gently while cold. Reheat in the microwave oven.

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Is couscous a grain or a pasta? ›

Although couscous looks like a grain, it's technically a pasta – it's made with semolina flour from durum wheat, mixed with water. There are three different types of couscous: Moroccan, which is the smallest; Israeli or pearl couscous, about the size of peppercorns; and Lebanese, the largest of the three.

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20 Couscous Recipe Ideas That Are Easy, Comforting and Unexpected (2024)

Food Editor

FAQs

What can I put in couscous to make it taste better? ›

Is couscous healthier than quinoa? ›

References