Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe | Little Spice Jar (2024)

FAQs

What flavors go well with couscous? ›

Chopped coriander and parsley are classic accompaniments, mint is excellent and you could also try other soft leaves such as basil. Lemon: Grated lemon rind and a squeeze of juice will add extra zing. Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or a few slivered almonds add lovely crunch.

Pour in water and bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until couscous is tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and rinse couscous under cold water in a colander, then transfer to a large serving bowl.

All couscous is made from semolina. Semolina is the name we give to flour that is ground from durum wheat. Durum wheat is a very hard wheat, higher in protein than the wheat all-purpose flour is made from. Semolina is golden yellow and gives couscous a nuttier taste than a pasta made with all-purpose flour.

Add some cumin, paprika or turmeric (or create a spice mix that you love) to the cooking water for a subtle warmth and depth. Alternatively, toss the cooked couscous with fresh herbs like mint, parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.

I toss it with herbs, lemon juice, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a bright, refreshing pilaf. It pairs nicely with any protein, vegetable main dish, or soup! Top it with a stew. Traditional Moroccan couscous is often served with stewy seasonal vegetables, and I adore this preparation.

The main difference between pearl couscous and Moroccan couscous is the size. The grains of Moroccan couscous are much smaller, compared to the pea-size granules in the pearl variety (made memorable by their namesake). This, of course, affects the preparation and cooking time of each grain.

Pearl couscous is technically a larger version of Moroccan couscous, though it's sometimes erroneously used synonymously with Israeli couscous. Roughly the size of a pea, pearl couscous is even larger than Israeli couscous.

When you think of couscous you think of wheat and that deep, earthly smell of the crop. It comes from the semolina or the heart of the wheat. Using other parts of the grain actually dilutes the scent and leaves the couscous smelling less intense.

Boosts Your Immune System. The selenium in couscous can also give your immune system a boost. This antioxidant helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity by lowering oxidative stress in your body ( 2 ).

Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories. Every 100 grams of cooked couscous has 112 calories.

Does couscous make you bloated? ›

For people with even a mild gluten intolerance, glutinous foods can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Avoiding gluten-based foods at all costs is the best way to keep these symptoms at bay if you're allergic or intolerant.

Couscous is a dried and cracked pasta made from semolina, like tiny pasta, meaning it cooks at lightning speed. It has a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with stews, braises, and grilled or roasted veggies.

Couscous is packed with nutrients and has better selenium per serving than white rice when it comes to selenium and other elements. It is light and filling, making it a good choice for busy professionals, families and people who don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare a healthy, delicious meal.

As other people have said, with veggies and a sauce is great, I use to have it with broccoli and chickpeas. Salad!! I make basically a pasta salad but substitute couscous instead. Usually include cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

Couscous is a tiny grain that's made from semolina wheat and has recently become a popular healthy rice alternative. It is light, fluffy, and easy to make; plus, it has a mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes. Couscous is also a nutritional powerhouse, offering several benefits over white rice.