Versatile Couscous Recipes and Tips

Couscous Basics
Couscous is semolina wheat pasta often served under a meat or vegetable stew, but it will adapt and capture any flavor combination you want to mix in. Begin by purchasing quick-cook couscous in bulk or couscous that comes with a seasoning packet to keep on hand. Couscous is prepared using even parts of liquid and pasta, and the rest is up to you; be creative!

Prepare Your Couscous Base:

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
1 cup couscous
1 teaspoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
Or
1 prepared box of couscous with a flavor packet of choice (follow package instructions)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring liquids to a boil along with salt and butter or margarine, add couscous; remove from heat and cover for 4-5 minutes.
2. Remove lid and fluff the pasta with a fork.

Tip: Though preparation calls for 1 part water and 1 part couscous, you can also try using leftover broths (chicken, beef or vegetable) or milk to enhance the flavor. You can also try adding in the seasoning packet, fresh herbs (parsley, mint, basil, cilantro, dill), oils or oil-based dressings that complement your meal after the couscous is prepared.

Tip: If you have produce that you'd like to add, simply sauté veggies in a tablespoon of olive oil for 2-3 minutes with about a 1/2-teaspoon of salt prior to adding liquids. For leftover meats you want to incorporate, dice or pull the meat into bite sized pieces and heat separately in the microwave, or heat in a saucepan prior to adding liquids.

Tip: Remember, simple couscous adaptations make an excellent side dish as well. Try using pesto, dressings or fresh herbs on their own to create a bed of flavor to accompany your favorite entrée.

Tip:For an easy breakfast dish, try preparing couscous with milk or orange juice instead of water and topping it with yogurt or your favorite fruit.

Simple Meal Suggestions
Try some of these simple suggestions for meal combinations. Once again, this all depends on what's in your pantry or refrigerator, but start with these ideas and have some fun! Think of it as building a pizza with your favorite flavors and ingredients.

Mediterranean-style Couscous
As a nod to the region where couscous originates, this version of the dish offers a great opportunity for using produce you have on hand and can be served warm or cold.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups of prepared couscous (see above)
Or
1 prepared box of couscous with a flavor packet of choice (follow package instructions)
Oil-based dressing
Garbanzo beans (also called chickpeas)
Onion, sautéed
Sweet pepper, any color, chopped, sautéed or roasted
Mild or hot banana peppers, chopped
Olives, sliced or chopped
Artichoke hearts, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Feta or goat cheese, crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Drizzle on dressing with an oil base such as a balsamic vinaigrette, Greek or Italian dressing. Simply add until desired consistency.
2. Add any herbs, lemon zest or juice, use whatever you have on hand and sounds good.
3. Now the real fun begins: add some of the tasty ingredients mentioned above or feel free to make substitutions with ingredients you have in your fridge or pantry.
4. Toss ingredients, place in a serving bowl and top with more crumbled feta or chopped parsley, as desired.

Latin-twist Couscous
Using this or other combinations of Latin flavors you have in your kitchen is an excellent way to rethink taco night.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups of prepared couscous (see above)
If using meat, try preparing with beef or chicken broth as suggested above.
Or
1 prepared box of couscous with a flavor packet of choice (follow package instructions)
Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Sweet corn kernels
Sweet peppers, any color, chopped, sautéed
Onions, sautéed
Jalapeño peppers, chopped
Black olives, sliced or chopped
Chorizo sausage (optional)
Ground beef (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Drizzle couscous with salsa, or Pico de Gallo.
2. Add any seasonings you desire, such as cumin, red pepper or chili powder. Toss desired ingredients together and transfer to a serving dish.
3. Top with any variety of Mexican cheeses and some fresh chopped cilantro, as desired.

Breakfast Couscous—By Michael Thomas
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Makes 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS
1 box or 1 ½ cups plain couscous
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1 pinch of salt
Butter, to taste
Sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup or sugar substitute, to taste
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or any other fruit, to taste
Sliced almonds, walnuts, pecans, or other nuts, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring milk and water to boil in a saucepan.
2. Add salt, sugar and butter. Remove from heat. Pour in couscous and cover for five minutes.
3. Stir or fluff with a fork. Divide into bowls and top with fruit and nuts.

Tip: Try adding more milk, orange juice or other fruit juices. Yogurt can also be added.

Don’t forget to try couscous as a great cost-saving leftover lunch or even a unique cold salad for a Memorial Day celebration.