How To Cook Couscous

Start by explaining the two types of couscous: Moroccan and Israeli (pearl) couscous.

Use a saucepan with a fitted lid for cooking couscous.

Measure and pour 2 1/2 cups of water into the saucepan.

Season the water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter.

Bring the water to a boil.

Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of couscous, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.

Cover the saucepan with the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, remove the lid and fluff the couscous with a fork.

For olive oil garlic couscous, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the oil and sauté for about 60 seconds.

Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, bringing it to a boil.

Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of couscous, covering it with a lid and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

For herb chicken couscous, pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth and add 1 tablespoon of butter.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon of dried sage while heating to a boil.

Once boiling, turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of couscous, covering it and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

For Mediterranean flavored couscous, return to water and olive oil, adding 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary.

Add 1/4 teaspoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder, and turmeric, along with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin and a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Stir in 2 cups of couscous, turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

For parmesan couscous, use Israeli or pearl couscous, increasing the liquid to 3 cups and using butter instead of olive oil.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and keep the heat on as you stir in 2 cups of couscous, simmering uncovered for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Remove the lid and stir in 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper until melted.

Equipment Needed

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