Couscous is a delicious and versatile North African dish that has become popular all over the world. It is a staple food in many countries and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. This dish is easy to make, and it is a great addition to any meal. In this article, we will discuss the basic couscous recipe, including the ingredients, instructions, and nutrition.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for the basic couscous recipe are simple and easy to find. You will need:
1 cup of couscous
1 ½ cups of boiling water
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of salt
You can also add other ingredients to the couscous, such as vegetables, herbs, and spices, to add more flavor and nutrition.
Instructions
Making couscous is easy, and it only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps to follow:
Put the couscous in a large bowl.
Add the boiling water, olive oil, and salt to the bowl.
Stir the ingredients together until the couscous is well coated.
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
After 5-10 minutes, uncover the bowl and fluff the couscous with a fork.
Once the couscous is fluffed, it is ready to serve.
You can also add other ingredients to the couscous, such as vegetables, herbs, and spices, to add more flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
Couscous is a healthy and nutritious food that is low in fat and calories. It is also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here is the nutrition information for one cup of cooked couscous:
Calories: 176
Protein: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 36 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Sodium: 600 milligrams
Couscous is a great food to include in a healthy diet. It is low in fat and calories, and it is a good source of fiber and other nutrients.
Variations
There are many variations of the basic couscous recipe that you can try. Here are some ideas:
Vegetable Couscous
To make vegetable couscous, add chopped vegetables to the couscous before adding the boiling water. You can use any vegetables you like, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes. This will add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Spicy Couscous
To make spicy couscous, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the couscous before adding the boiling water. This will give the dish a spicy kick and add more flavor.
Fruity Couscous
To make fruity couscous, add dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots, to the couscous after it has been fluffed. This will add a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Couscous can be served as a side dish or as a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:
Side Dish
Couscous makes a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It can also be served as a substitute for rice or pasta.
Main Course
Couscous can be served as a main course by adding protein, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp, to the dish. You can also add more vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Conclusion
Couscous is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and can be served in many different ways. It is a healthy and nutritious food that is low in fat and calories and is a good source of fiber and other nutrients. By following the basic couscous recipe and adding your own variations, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.