What is couscous?
Q: What is couscous?
A: Couscous is a kind of food, originally from the Berbers of North Africa. It has two related meanings: A kind of wheat known in English as durum wheat or fairy pasta and a stew of vegetables and/or meat, together with a plate of couscous wheat.
Q: How is couscous prepared?
A: Couscous is not cooked, but rather steamed over hot water. It must have plenty of liquid, or else a separate bowl of sauce must be provided as the grain is rather dry and absorbs plenty of liquid. Spices such as ras el hanout and harissa are used for seasoning.
Q: Where did couscous originate?
A: Couscous originated in North Africa also known as the Maghreb. It is now popular in Armenia and the Middle East, southern France, Sicilia and Brazil.
Q: Is pre-steamed couscous available?
A: Yes, pre-steamed couscous is available in most supermarkets across Europe and the United States. The package directions are usually to add 1.5 measures of boiling water or stock and butter to each measure of couscous and to cover tightly for five minutes so that it swells up within a few minutes before fluffing with a fork to serve. Pre-steamed couscous takes less time to prepare than regular couscous.
Q: What type of side dishes can be eaten with couscous?
A: Common side dishes eaten with couscous include fish, shrimp, chicken, starch like wheat flour or corn; rice or cassava; butter; eggs; meat; coconut milk; tapioca etc., depending on where it's being consumed geographically speaking - Southeast Asia may consume it differently than North America for example.
Q: Can cold couscous be served?
A: Yes, cold cousins can be served either as the base for salads with seafood added or used to make taboulé salad dish which includes herbs such as parsley & mint plus tomato & onion among other ingredients like olive oil & lemon juice dressing . Cold couscou can also be used for sweets by adding milk raisins or almonds etc..
