Whether a seasoned couscous connoisseur or just starting your culinary journey, we’ve got you covered! We’re excited to share 13 mouth-watering recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of couscous. With its rich history dating back to North Africa, this pasta has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. Did you know that couscous is typically made from semolina flour or durum wheat?
The type of couscous you use can also vary depending on where it’s from – Morocco, Israel, and Lebanon each have their own unique versions. But don’t worry if you’re new to cooking with couscous; this quick-cooking variety is a great place to start. Simply cook it according to the package instructions and you’re ready to go! When you do decide to get creative, keep in mind that regular couscous will double in size once cooked.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some amazing recipes – from sweet potato couscous with pesto to Moroccan chicken couscous bowls and Tandoori chicken with Israeli couscous. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a flavorful side dish, we have something for everyone. So go ahead, get cooking, and discover the world of delicious couscous recipes!
Lemon Couscous Salad With Pomegranate & Mint
This couscous salad recipe is a masterclass in simplicity and elegance. Its light, delicious flavor profile makes it an effortless crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant colors and refreshing combination of yellow lemon zest, pink pomegranate, and fresh mint, you’ll know this dish is a winner from the get-go. The fresh honey lemon salad dressing is not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to prepare.
What’s more, this recipe offers two added benefits: it can be easily elevated into a satisfying meal by adding your preferred protein choice, and its versatility allows it to be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any season or mood.
Israeli Couscous Recipe With Sausage & Feta
When seeking a one-dish wonder that satisfies both hunger and taste buds, look no further than this mouthwatering sausage and feta cheese recipe. The best part? It’s incredibly efficient, allowing you to multitask while cooking. Simply cook the couscous, then use the same skillet to brown the sausage at low heat while preparing the sauce.
This hearty dish is elevated by the inclusion of protein-rich meat and melted cheese, making it a perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal any time of year. The star of the show here is Israeli pearl couscous, which pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and olives.
Summer Couscous Salad
Couscous recipes are renowned for their adaptability to creative experimentation. This summer’s offering is particularly vibrant, leveraging the freshness of herbs and vegetables readily available in your local grocery stores – or perhaps already nestled within your pantry. The bold colors not only complement each other but also harmonize with the bright, zesty flavors imparted by the red bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
A drizzle of honey lemon vinaigrette adds a delightful textural contrast, elevating the dish to new heights. This salad is an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken or salmon, its unique blend of textures and tastes making it a satisfying side dish any time.
One-Pot Couscous With Shrimp, Zucchini & Corn
While many couscous recipes are indeed easy, quick, and satisfying, this particular combination takes it to another level. The addition of shrimp, zucchini, and corn elevates it from a simple side dish to a full-fledged meal. This recipe uses the smallest couscous and pairs it with fresh tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon juice. The succulent shrimp adds a pop of color and visual appeal, while the abundance of fresh ingredients makes for a truly impressive final product.
And let’s not forget the simplicity – after all, easy is always a winning combination!
Mexican Street Corn Salad With Pearl Couscous
The harmonious union between Mexican Street Corn and a classic couscous salad is perfectly captured in this pearl couscous recipe. The creamy sauce that coats the Mexican street corn and the way pearl couscous doubles in size, absorbing herbs and flavors with ease, come together to create a delightful salad that impresses from start to finish. Even those who prefer less heat can rest assured that omitting the jalapeño is an option.
With so many ingredients contributing to the dish’s rich flavor profile, this pearl couscous recipe is sure to satisfy.
Chickpea Couscous With Spinach And Tomatoes
Discovering new recipes that feature couscous as the main ingredient can be an exciting culinary adventure. While I often stick to my tried-and-true flavor profiles, I’ve come to realize that this versatile grain can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of cuisines and seasoning preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for bold Mexican flavors, the warm, comforting essence of Mediterranean cooking, or the classic simplicity of traditional dishes, couscous is an excellent canvas upon which to create.
This particular recipe showcases a vibrant combination of onions, spinach, chickpeas, tomatoes, and garlic, resulting in a bolder presentation that’s sure to impress. The best part? The preparation is remarkably straightforward, allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking rather than getting bogged down in complicated techniques.
Southwest Couscous Salad
I’m excited to share a Southwestern-inspired couscous recipe with you, which also happens to be reminiscent of TexMex cuisine. This dish is all about layers of texture and flavor, featuring key ingredients like black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and scallions. The simplicity of cooking the couscous and then adding these ingredients is a big part of its appeal – it’s hard to beat! Olive oil helps tie everything together, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness.
If you’re a cilantro fan like me, feel free to sprinkle some on top for extra freshness.
Easy Moroccan Chicken Couscous Bowl
Indulge in the vibrant flavors and textures of this effortless Moroccan chicken couscous bowl, perfect for any day of the week! With its harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and nutritious whole grains, this dish will keep you energized throughout your afternoon endeavors. For those who appreciate a touch of heat, cayenne pepper is an optional addition that won’t overpower the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
This recipe also includes a simple guide to creating your own custom spice blend, with or without the fiery kick of cayenne. To take it to the next level, consider topping your bowl with a dollop of creamy yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Harissa Chicken with Saffron Couscous
Couscous recipes, much like people and cultures, boast incredible diversity. While some may share commonalities – such as the pairing of couscous with chicken – the final products can differ dramatically once completed. A prime example is Harissa chicken, where the poultry has been marinated for a generous two hours in the bold, spicy harissa paste. This potent condiment derives its distinct flavor from a judicious dash of chili pepper, lending a fiery kick to the dish.
To create a harmonious accompaniment, a delicate preparation utilizing chicken broth and saffron is employed, resulting in a lusciously fluffy couscous that perfectly complements the bold Harissa chicken.
Sweet Potato Couscous (With Pesto)
As we settle in for dinner, let’s explore the world of recipes that feature couscous as the star of the show. The foundation of this meal is built on sweet potatoes and white beans, which provide a satisfying base for the dish. Next, we add a tangy and creamy lemon pesto couscous, followed by a sprinkle of crunchy almonds and a slice of creamy avocado on top. The real twist in this recipe comes from the addition of pesto, which adds a rich and herby flavor to the mix.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own pesto from scratch, but if not, don’t worry – store-bought options are just as delicious. Allow about an hour for cooking time, as the sweet potatoes do require some time to tenderize. What’s surprising is how hearty this dish turns out to be, making it a great option to serve on its own or paired with a protein like salmon or chicken.
Vegetable Minestrone with Israeli Couscous
When it comes to exploring new couscous recipes, soups offer a world of possibilities and the freedom to get creative while still delivering exceptional results. A perfect example is this Israeli-inspired minestrone recipe, bursting with fresh vegetables and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings after a long day. The key is to start by building a flavorful foundation with extra virgin olive oil and garlic, then gradually add in ingredients that require varying cooking times.
For added convenience, consider substituting minced garlic with garlic powder, which can save you time without sacrificing taste. With just one hour’s simmering time, dinner is served and your taste buds will thank you!
Tandoori Chicken with Israeli Couscous
Israeli couscous is indeed a crowd-pleaser, as evidenced by its appearance here too! The versatility of this popular couscous size allows it to seamlessly blend with new flavors and textures. In another culinary twist, chicken takes center stage once more, but this time it’s paired with the bold and aromatic tandoori chicken marinade, featuring a medley of spices including cumin, turmeric, paprika, and onion powder.
The resulting dish is nothing short of stunning, with charred chicken thighs, fluffy white couscous, and refreshing cucumber slices combining to create a truly mouthwatering experience. And did I mention the added tanginess from the yogurt-based marinade? It’s a brilliant choice that elevates this meal to new heights.
Roast Squash and Feta Couscous
What makes couscous recipes so versatile is their ability to seamlessly transition from a standalone side dish to a harmonious accompaniment to roasted vegetables or even the main event. This particular recipe showcases the delightful union of roasted butternut squash and crumbly feta cheese, a rich and satisfying flavor profile that’s sure to impress.
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its reliance on a pre-seasoned couscous packet, eliminating the need to rummage through your spice cabinet. With only the key ingredients to focus on, you can rest assured that the end result will be nothing short of scrumptious. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon to take things to the next level.
The bottom line
Couscous, a staple in many cuisines, has the incredible ability to elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This impressive versatility is showcased through its incorporation into a wide range of dishes. From decadent meals to cherished family gatherings, couscous is the perfect addition to make memories that will last.
For those seeking inspiration on how to take their couscous game to the next level, look no further than these 13 delectable recipes that are sure to become instant favorites among your loved ones.
