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How to cook couscous perfectly every time

If you're frustrated with couscous turning out too dry, too wet, soggy, clumpy, undercooked or overcooked, this basic recipe is for you! Plus, this water-to-couscous ratio is easy to remember, also making it simple to scale the portion size up or down as needed. You will never have to look at a recipe again.

Prep Time
12 mins
Total Time
12 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 203 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup boiled water
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the couscous to a bowl and pour over the oil.
  2. Using a fork, work the oil through the couscous to ensure all the grains are evenly coated.
  3. Pour the freshly boiled water over the couscous, ensuring all the grains are covered. Stir briefly if necessary.
  4. Let the couscous sit for about 10 minutes. Leaving it longer may make it soggy.
  5. When the time is up, use a fork to gently fluff the couscous. Season with salt to taste before serving.

Notes

  •  
  • Don’t let the couscous sit too long before fluffing it up. For a cup of couscous to a cup of water, 10 minutes is ideal. Any longer, and it may become too soft and start clumping together.
  • Stick to the recommended ratio of 1:1 couscous to water. Don't be tempted to add more water if it 'doesn't look enough'.
  • Use a fork to fluff the couscous, not a spoon. This is key to separating the grains and achieving that sought-after light, fluffy texture.
  • Don’t forget to season with salt before serving! Just like rice, unsalted couscous can be a bit bland. See further down for more flavour boosters.

Nutrition Information

Calories 203kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 4g (6%) Saturated Fat 0.3g (2%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.01g Sodium 8mg (0%) Potassium 76mg (2%) Fiber 2g (8%) Calcium 13mg (1%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 203

% Daily Value*

Calories 203kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 4g 6%
Saturated Fat 0.3g 2%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Sodium 8mg 0%
Potassium 76mg 2%
Fiber 2g 8%
Calcium 13mg 1%
Iron 0.5mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.