Cooking couscous is a quick and easy process. Here's a basic stovetop method for cooking couscous:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
- Salt (optional)
- Olive oil (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
1. Boil Water or Broth: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of water or broth to a boil. If you'd like, you can add a pinch of salt to the liquid for flavor.
2. Add Couscous: Once the liquid is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of couscous. Use a fork to quickly mix the couscous into the hot liquid.
3. Cover and Let Sit: Immediately cover the saucepan with a lid and let the couscous sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the hot liquid and cook through.
4. Fluff with a Fork: After 5 minutes, remove the lid from the saucepan and use a fork to fluff the couscous, separating the grains and ensuring they are evenly cooked.
5. Optional: Add Flavorings: If desired, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or other flavorings such as herbs, spices, or lemon zest to the cooked couscous. Stir gently to incorporate the flavorings.
6. Serve: Once fluffed and seasoned, your couscous is ready to serve. Enjoy it as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a salad or grain bowl.
Note: Couscous is very versatile and can be customized with various flavorings and additions to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different herbs, spices, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits to create unique couscous dishes.
Additionally, couscous can be cooked in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Just reheat the couscous gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh it before serving.