Couscous is a traditional Berber dish, which comes from the words seksū or kseksū, meaning “round” or “well rounded”, a name that is definitely an excellent and wonderful indication of the main characteristics of this delicious food: its shape.
About its origin and history we must go back to an anonymous writing that dates back to the 13th century, entitled Kitāb al-taṭbīj fī l-Magrib wa-l-Andalus (Cooking book in the Maghreb and Al-Andalus), in which a recipe is mentioned to prepare this popular dish, very appreciated in Al-Andalus and among the Moorish population during the following centuries, as it is shown in different writings of that time.
What is couscous and what does it consist of?
Couscous is a traditional Berber dish made from durum wheat semolina, which after cooking has an average size of just one millimetre in diameter. It is traditionally made with semolina corresponding to the hard part of the ground wheat, but which has not been converted into flour.
These ground grains are cooked, during the process of which they tend to swell until they increase in diameter and thus acquire their characteristic shape and appearance.
Its origin is mainly Moroccan. In fact, couscous is definitely the basis of food for many people in North Africa. However, today it is possible to find it as a very common ingredient in other gastronomies in other parts and countries of the world.
How to cook couscous
To make the basic couscous recipe you only need 1 cup of couscous, 2 and a half cups of water and a pinch of salt.
First put the couscous in a saucepan with a diffuser, the 2 and a half cups of water, and bring to a boil. When the water reaches this point add the salt and pour in the couscous, leaving it to cook for 20 minutes.
After this time, turn off the heat and let the couscous rest for 5 minutes. Then, with the help of a fork, separate the grains. Ready! You can serve it with cooked vegetables or in a salad. Simply delicious.
Tip: If you add a spoonful of olive oil to the couscous, it will be much looser and give it a delicious taste.
Some delicious recipes with couscous
Couscous with pumpkin and carrot
This couscous recipe is a wonderful and very light option, which can be eaten cold or hot depending on whether or not we are out of the house. For example, it is an ideal option to take us to the country or to the beach, very nutritious and exquisite.
Ingredients:
- 1 carrot
- 70 gr of pumpkin
- 70 g of couscous semolina
- 1/4 onion
- 1/2 clove of garlic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Black pepper
How to make couscous with pumpkin and carrot
First we are going to put the oil in a saucepan or casserole, and while it heats up, finely chop the onion and garlic, and add them to the hot oil. Cover the casserole and let its contents stew over a low heat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, peel the carrot and cut it into small squares, add it to the casserole, cover it and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. It is very important that you stir constantly so that the vegetables do not stick together. Then, once prepared, drain the vegetables well.
Now it is time to cook the couscous. To do this, follow the steps we have indicated in the previous process.
That’s it! Once the couscous is cooked, just serve it, mix it with the vegetables and sprinkle some black pepper on top.
Cold Couscous Salad
You’re going to the pool or the beach and you don’t know what you’re going to eat? There is no doubt that this is the best time to enjoy fresh and light dishes, such as the couscous salad that we propose on this occasion. Do you dare to prepare it?
Ingredients:
- 250 gr of couscous
- 1 red pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 handful of sweet corn
- 1 glass of water
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
Optional: if you also like them you can accompany them with aubergines and mint or rocket leaves.
How to make the cold couscous salad
First we’ll wash the tomatoes and peppers well. Then cut them into small squares and put them in a large clean bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and a little lemon juice, mixing well. Keep it in the fridge while we cook the couscous.
Once the couscous is cooked, add it in bowls, include the fresh vegetables, the corn and that’s it! You can enjoy it now.