In this article I will show you how to cook couscous in a rice cooker, which is easier than you might think. Couscous is an ancient grain that originated in North Africa, and it has been gaining popularity in the United States over the past few years. The beautiful thing about cooking couscous with a rice cooker is that there’s no need for any other kitchen appliances like pots or pans and you can get a tasty, nutritious snack in just a few minutes!
So, read on to learn more about this simple way of cooking great-tasting couscous without all of the work.
What is Couscous?
Couscous is a type of small, round granule made from wheat flour and water. It originates from North Africa where it’s traditionally served with lamb or goat stew. It has been gaining popularity in the United States over the past few years because it can be eaten like rice. The great thing about couscous is that it’s already cooked and ready to eat, making it an easy way for busy people to prepare a healthy meal.
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Couscous is an amazing and versatile ingredient that can add flavor and texture to any dish. With its light and fluffy texture, it absorbs flavors like a sponge, making it an excellent alternative to traditional rice or pasta side dishes. Plus, couscous is incredibly easy to prepare, and you can make it in a rice cooker in just a few minutes!
Not only is couscous a great addition to salads, stews, and soups, but it can also be served as a main dish or a side dish at your next dinner party with friends. You can experiment with different flavors and spices to make it even more delicious.
One of the best things about couscous is that it is a healthy and nutritious choice. It is naturally gluten-free and contains vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium. And since it cooks quickly, it retains more of its nutrients than larger grains like brown rice or quinoa.
Couscous is a healthy grain that can be substituted for rice and pasta. The granules are small enough to cook quickly, which means they will retain more of their nutrients than larger grains like brown rice or quinoa, although it is not as rich in fiber as other whole grains like brown rice or quinoa.
How To Cook Couscous
This really is simplicity itself.
1. Rinse the couscous under running water
2. Add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt to the rice cooker
3. Place the couscous in an even layer on top of the steaming tray inside your rice cooker, then cover with its lid and set it to cook for 5 minutes
4. Turn off your rice cooker and let it sit for 10 more minutes before removing it from the heat source
5. Fluff up cooked couscous with a fork or spoon before serving
6. Enjoy!
Couscous Mediterranean Salad
This is a simple, and very tasty dish served best during the hot summer months. It works well with almost any main but is especially delicious with lamb.
Follow the main steps for cooking your couscous in a rice cooker outlined above then the tanginess of this recipe comes from the combination of lemon zest, red wine vinegar, and herbs whisked with extra virgin olive oil.
The salad dressing is just enough to coat all the ingredients; if you want more for serving on the side, simply double it!
If there are any leftovers in your bowl after service at your table add a slice or two of fresh lemon before eating.
I start by chopping up red bell pepper, cucumbers, tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
Next, add them to a bowl with feta cheese (to help it melt) along with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Next up, the dressing: olive oil mixed in whole grain mustard brings that Mediterranean flavor while adding lemon juice helps brighten everything up!
Finally, mix in garbanzo beans for protein and you’re done – this flavorful dish can be served cold or hot!
The benefits of adding couscous to your diet
Incorporating couscous into your diet can provide many benefits for your overall health and well-being.
Because couscous is a nutrient-dense grain that is naturally gluten-free, this makes it a great alternative to traditional wheat-based products.
It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
Couscous is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron and magnesium, which are important for maintaining healthy blood cells and a strong immune system, and because couscous cooks quickly, it retains more of its nutrients than larger grains like brown rice or quinoa.
These are all good reasons why adding couscous to your meals is beneficial, for not only can you increase your intake of healthy nutrients but you can also enjoy a delicious and versatile foodstuff.
Some FAQs
Is couscous a grain or pasta?
Couscous is indeed a grain, specifically a form of pasta. It belongs to the same family as other grains and durum wheat semolina, all of which are milled grains that contain gluten.
Although couscous is traditionally used in North African cuisine, it has become popular in many other parts of the world too, due to its light and fluffy texture and relatively easy-to-prepare character.
Depending on where you are in the world, it can be steamed or boiled – either way it makes an incredibly versatile and nutritional ingredient suitable for salads, soups and stews alike. With its pleasantly subtle nuttiness and glorious agility when it comes to adapting a variety of flavors and tastes, couscous stands out as an excellent addition to any kitchen pantry.
Which is healthier brown rice or couscous?
From a health perspective, brown rice is the clear winner out of these two grains. Brown rice offers a considerable amount of fiber, B-vitamins, iron, and magnesium which can help support energy levels and the immune system. In comparison, couscous contains comparable levels of iron but fewer vitamins plus far less fiber than brown rice. Though couscous may be processed in different ways, it is still manufactured and it doesn’t necessarily have fewer calories than some believe; they are both similar with just over 100 coes per serving. All in all, brown rice wins out on nutrition content though both are healthy choices to add to your diet.
Is couscous good for high blood pressure?
Many studies have shown that couscous can be beneficial for those with high blood pressure.
This nutrient-dense grain is naturally low in sodium, which is an important factor in controlling high blood pressure.
The magnesium and potassium found in couscous can actually help to relax the arteries and decrease the stiffness of blood vessels, allowing greater flow and resulting in lower blood pressure.
When buying packaged couscous, look for varieties labeled “low sodium” or “no added salt,” as this will further ensure you are getting an optimal benefit from this healthy whole grain. For best results, pair couscous with healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and olive oil for a meal that may go a long way towards improving cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Cooking couscous may seem intimidating at first but using this recipe you’ll have no problem cooking your own batch of delicious couscous! You can enjoy your couscous as is or with an assortment of vegetables, sauces, and other toppings.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
