How To Cook Couscous

One very nutritious grain that often gets passed over for brown rice instead is couscous. You can use this grain hot or cold, so it adds great versatility to your side dishes.  Couscous is rich in dietary fiber and a great source of complex carbohydrates, so will fuel those intense workout sessions very well and combat hunger pains that lead to eating snacks you shouldn’t be.

Finally, it’s a rich source of the mineral iron, which is vital for those who aren’t consuming a larger amount of red meat in their diet plan. If you aren’t meeting your iron needs for the day, it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which would then cause you to fatigue earlier on during your workout session.

By serving up couscous, you prevent that from happening.

Let’s go over how to cook this grain so that you can make sure you stop overlooking it and find ways to add it to your meal plan.

How To Cook It

The best way to cook couscous is through the boiling technique, which will make sure it’s as fluffy as possible.

To cook it, you’ll first want to measure out equal amounts of couscous and water (or broth if you prefer).

Bring the liquid to a boil and f you want to add some healthy fats to the dish, you can also add in some olive oil or butter, which would then give it a slightly creamier taste.

From there, add the couscous to the water and stir so all of the grains are coated. Remove from the heat and cover, allowing it to sit for about 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes have passed, check it quickly to see if it’s at your desired softness preference. If it’s still slightly too hard, then cover the pot and let sit for a few more minutes until your desired tenderness is reached.

Fluff the couscous with a fork and you’re ready to serve.

Other Ways To Cook It

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to do the boiling method, you can also microwave this grain as well. To do this, you’ll simply want to boil the measured amount of liquid in a microwave safe bowl until it’s boiling. From there, pour over the couscous, stir, and then cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff and then you’re ready to serve.

For those who are preparing an elaborate meal and have all the burners currently in use, this method works very well.  You could also do the exact same method using a tea kettle as well if you prefer.

Another way to liven up your couscous is to toast it first by placing it in a shallow skillet along with some butter or oil.  Cook over medium heat, stiring continuously for 2-4 minutes.

From there, continue on with the same process described above.

This grain is perhaps even faster to prepare than conventional brown rice, so make sure you aren’t overlooking it any longer. It’s a fantastic source of complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber that will add balance to your everyday diet plan.