Couscous (granular semolina - coarsely ground Durum wheat) is a staple food of North African cuisine and is also eaten all over the world. It may have once been considered exotic but now has become quite familiar around the world.

You can buy it in bulk at whole foods stores or in a box at regular grocery stores.

Couscous takes 6 minutes to prepare: 1 minute to boil the water and 5 minutes to let it sit and absorb the water. Then it’s ready to eat.

Adding salt and butter or olive oil is optional but it does give it a nice taste.

This entire box of couscous will make 4-6 servings. You don’t have to use the entire box at one time.

There is a chart on the back of the box that tells you what proportion of couscous to water you will need.

Bring the water to a boil and add the butter/oil and salt to the pot.

Whisk in the couscous

Cover the pot and remove it from the stove.

Five minutes later, all the water will be absorbed and you are done!

You can serve couscous “under” chicken, fish, meat, or stew. By placing the meat on top, the couscous will absorb all the juices or sauce.

On the back of the couscous box you will often find suggestions and recipes for different ways of serving couscous. But that’s another day. Cheers!

You can view and print this recipe here.

If you are new to startcooking, or are a regular visitor here, please consider subscribing for free.