Koken met couscous: 13x recepten

Introduction

Couscous is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, there are countless ways to incorporate couscous into your meals. In this article, we will explore 13 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of couscous. From hearty salads to flavorful main courses, you’ll find inspiration for every occasion.

The History of Couscous

Couscous is a traditional North African dish that has roots dating back centuries. It is made from tiny granules of durum wheat and is a staple in countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Couscous has gained popularity in recent years due to its ease of preparation and its ability to absorb flavors from other ingredients.

The Basics of Cooking Couscous

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s go over the basics of cooking couscous. To prepare couscous, start by bringing water or broth to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, add the couscous and remove from heat. Cover the pot and let the couscous absorb the liquid for about 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains, and it’s ready to be used in your recipe.

Recipe 1: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled couscous, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the couscous salad and toss to combine.

4. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Recipe 2: Moroccan Spiced Couscous

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.

2. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional minute.

3. Add the couscous to the skillet and stir to coat it with the spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the couscous simmer for 10 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

5. Remove from heat and fluff the couscous with a fork. Stir in the chopped dried apricots and slivered almonds.

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Couscous with Grilled Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, or mint), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Set aside.

2. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and red onion with olive oil.

3. Grill the vegetables until tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes per side.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, grilled vegetables, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

5. Toss to combine and serve warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Couscous is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meals with its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors. From refreshing salads to hearty main courses, there are endless possibilities when it comes to cooking with couscous. Try out these 13 delicious recipes and discover your new favorite way to enjoy this ancient grain!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat couscous instead of regular couscous?

A1: Absolutely! Whole wheat couscous is a nutritious alternative that offers a slightly nuttier flavor.

Q2: Can I make couscous ahead of time and reheat it?

A2: Yes, couscous can be made ahead of time and reheated. Simply fluff it with a fork and microwave it for a minute or two, or heat it in a skillet with a little olive oil.

Q3: Can I add protein to these couscous recipes?

A3: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to these recipes to make them more filling and nutritious.

Q4: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

A4: Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth in these recipes.

Q5: Can I substitute couscous with quinoa?

A5: Yes, quinoa can be used as a substitute for couscous in these recipes. Keep in mind that the cooking time and liquid ratio may vary.

Remember to experiment with flavors and ingredients to make these recipes your own. Happy cooking!