Couscous

Contrary to popular belief, couscous is an interesting kind of pasta, not just grains. Although, it has an appearance close to rice, this dish is something completely different. Even though, there are many different variations of couscous, the most popular one is the variation that involves crispy onions. To help you experience something delicious, we have the best couscous recipe for you!

Health Benefits

Couscous is a wonderful meal to indulge in because it is full of important nutrients. It is rich in minerals and vitamins like phosphorus, potassium, folate, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. These nutrients help in making your muscles, bones, and immune system stronger.

Ingredients

couscous: 500 g

vegetable stock cube: 1

teaspoons of turmeric: 2

teaspoon of ground cinnamon: 1

dried apricot, chopped: 100 g

red onions, finely sliced: 3

teaspoon of caster sugar: 1

sunflower or vegetable oil: 500 ml

zest of lemon: 1

tablespoons of olive oil: 2

small bunch of coriander, chopped

handful of mint, chopped and reserve some leaves

How To Make Couscous

1. Start by boiling water in a kettle.
2. In a large bowl, add couscous, pour the vegetable stock on it, and start crumbling it up. Then add the turmeric, cinnamon, apricots, and season according to taste. Pour the boiling water in the same bowl, mix everything properly then tightly secure it with cling film, and let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, add half of the onions and add a pinch of salt and sugar in it. Pour boiling water on top it (it must be enough to cover the onion) and let it steep for 10 minutes. This step will take the onion’s acidity away and turn them pink.
4. In a deep saucepan, pour oil that would come up to 5 cm on the sides of it. When the oil has heated, fry the remaining of the onions in batches. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Take them out on kitchen paper and lightly sprinkle with salt.
5. With a spoon, fluff the couscous. Drain the onions that were steeping and stir them into the couscous along with the lemon juice and zest, olive oil, and herbs.
6. When you are serving, put the couscous in the middle and scatter crispy onions and mint leaves on top.

Trivia

• Couscous is a traditional North African Dish that is made by steaming semolina.
• Couscous is the ideal dish for vegetarians because –by modifying it a little- there are many health benefits to this dish.

The main types of couscous are Moroccan, Israeli, and Lebanese.