How to cook israeli couscous? - Chef's Resource (2024)

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous or maftoul, is a delicious and versatile grain that has gained popularity in recent years. With its small, round shape and slightly chewy texture, Israeli couscous is a perfect ingredient for salads, pilafs, or as a side dish to accompany a variety of main courses. If you’re wondering how to cook Israeli couscous, look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the steps to achieve perfectly cooked Israeli couscous every time.

How to cook Israeli couscous?

**To cook Israeli couscous, follow these simple steps:**

1. **Ingredients you’ll need:**
– 1 cup Israeli couscous
– 1½ cups water or broth
– Salt (to taste)

2. **Rinse the couscous:**
– Place the Israeli couscous in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold water to remove any excess starch.

3. **Toast the couscous:**
– In a medium-sized pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed couscous and toast it for a few minutes until it turns golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

4. **Add the liquid:**
– Pour 1½ cups of water or broth into the pot. Be sure to use a liquid-to-couscous ratio of 1.5:1, ensuring enough liquid for the couscous to absorb.

5. **Season with salt:**
– Add a pinch of salt to the pot, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Remember that you can always add more salt later, so start with a small amount.

6. **Bring to a boil:**
– Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.

7. **Simmer and cover:**
– Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the couscous simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until it becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent clumping.

8. **Rest and fluff:**
– After the cooking time, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the couscous to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.

9. **Fluff with a fork:**
– After resting, use a fork to fluff the Israeli couscous gently. This step separates the grains and prevents clumping.

10. **Serve and enjoy:**
– Israeli couscous is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a side dish, incorporate it into a salad, or use it as a base for flavorful pilafs and stews.

FAQs about Israeli couscous:

1. What is the difference between Israeli couscous and regular couscous?

Israeli couscous is larger and has a round shape compared to the smaller, more granular texture of regular couscous.

2. Can I use Israeli couscous in salads?

Absolutely! Israeli couscous adds a delightful texture and flavor to salads, making them more filling and substantial.

3. Can I cook Israeli couscous in advance?

Yes, you can cook Israeli couscous in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

4. Can I use any liquid to cook Israeli couscous?

Water is the most common choice, but using vegetable or chicken broth adds extra flavor to the couscous.

5. Can I add spices or herbs to the cooking liquid?

Certainly! You can enhance the flavor of Israeli couscous by adding spices or herbs like turmeric, cumin, or fresh thyme to the cooking liquid.

6. Can I freeze cooked Israeli couscous?

While it’s possible to freeze cooked Israeli couscous, it may lose some of its texture and become slightly mushy upon thawing.

7. Can Israeli couscous be gluten-free?

Traditional Israeli couscous is made from wheat flour, making it not suitable for a gluten-free diet. However, alternative versions made from gluten-free grains are available.

8. How do I prevent Israeli couscous from sticking together?

To prevent sticking, rinse the couscous before cooking and make sure to fluff it with a fork after cooking.

9. Can I use Israeli couscous in soups?

Yes, Israeli couscous can be added to soups to provide a heartier texture and flavor. Add it toward the end of the cooking time, following the package instructions for liquid ratios.

10. Can I serve Israeli couscous cold?

Israeli couscous can be served cold, making it a great choice for refreshing salads and cold grain bowls.

11. Is there any specific brand of Israeli couscous that is recommended?

There are various brands available in the market, and preferences may vary. It’s best to read reviews or try different brands to find one that suits your taste.

12. Can Israeli couscous be reheated?

Yes, you can reheat cooked Israeli couscous by adding a small amount of water or broth to a saucepan and gently heating it until warmed through.