About Couscous

First mentioned in a 13th century recipe book of Northern Africa, couscous has become popular in the U.S. because it's quick-cooking and versatile. Readily available in most supermarkets, the pasta mostly made from semolina wheat can be prepared in less than 10 minutes and prepared in a variety of ways.

Features

Couscous is small, round, coarsely ground pasta made from semolina wheat; each piece is about 1 millimeter in diameter. It has a hearty texture and slightly nutty taste and can be quickly prepared by adding a specified amount of boiling water and covering it for 5 minutes. It's also very versatile because it can be used as a main dish, side dish or even a salad.

History

Although experts believe it originated in modern-day Morocco, in Northern Africa, couscous then spread to the cuisine of countries of Algeria, Libya, Tunisia and Egypt. The first reference dates to the 13th century, in "The Book of Cooking in the Maghreb and Al Andalus." Couscous appeared in Turkey in the 16th century and made its way through the Middle East, and eventually to Western countries. Originally, barley or millet grains were used to make couscous, but today, semolina wheat is most popular in the West.

Function

Couscous can be used in many types of recipes: as a main dish with meats like chicken, lamb or beef; as a side dish to an entree; or as a salad with greens. Once cooked, it can be eaten either cold and hot. Sometimes it is added to soup recipes. It is inexpensive and filling.

Types

There are two main types of couscous: already steamed, which means it will take only about 10 minutes to prepare, and raw, which means it needs to be steamed first. It can be found at grocery stores in pre-packaged boxes with different flavor packets, such as garlic and olive oil, herbed chicken and toasted pine nuts.

Misconceptions

Although it is mistaken for a grain, like rice, couscous is actually a pasta. It's just in very tiny round shapes. It is also not difficult to find, since at least one manufacturer's brand can be found in most stores.

Considerations

For those watching their diet, couscous is an ideal food. It's low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol, and contains B vitamins, fiber and protein. Try it as a side dish instead of rice or potatoes for a change. The ability to prepare it quickly makes it attractive to those looking for a fast meal.