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–+ servings

How to Cook Couscous

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 5 servings
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Jessica Gavin
Learn how to cook couscous on the stovetop and microwave. These tiny semolina granules absorb hot water and quickly transform into light and tender pasta.

Ingredients

Moroccan Couscous (Stovetop & Microwave)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
  • 1 cup (170 g) couscous, instant
Israeli Couscous
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
  • 1 cup (150 g) Israeli pearl couscous
Lebanese Couscous
  • 4 cups (960 ml) water
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) Lebanese couscous

Instructions

Moroccan Couscous on the Stovetop
  • Bring water, salt, and olive oil to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add couscous and quickly stir. Turn off the heat and cover. Let couscous stand until water is absorbed and tender, 5 minutes. Fluff couscous with a fork before serving.
Moroccan Couscous in the Microwave
  • Microwave the water in a large 2-quart glass cup or large bowl until boiling, 5 minutes. Add the salt, olive oil, and couscous, and stir to combine. Tightly cover the cup or bowl with foil or a plate. Let it sit and absorb the water until tender, 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Israeli Couscous on the Stovetop
  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add couscous and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the water is absorbed, 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the couscous sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Lebanese Couscous on the Stovetop
  • Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add Lebanese couscous and reduce to medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and use as needed.

Notes

  • Moroccan Couscous: 1 cup dried yields 2 1/2 cup cooked.
  • Israeli Couscous: 1 cup dried yields 2 cups cooked.
  • Lebanese Couscous: 1 cup dried yields 2 1/2 cups cooked.
  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 238mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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