Basic Couscous Recipe 485

BASIC COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine everything except the coucous; bring to a boil.
• Stir in couscous. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

HOW TO COOK COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a saucepan, add broth or water. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil.
• Now, toast the couscous. In a non-stick skillet or pan, heat about 1 to 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Add the couscous and toss around with a wooden spoon until golden brown. This is an optional step but can really adds a great nutty flavor.
• Stir couscous in the boiled liquid quickly and immediately turn the heat off. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes or until couscous has completely absorbed the broth or water.
• Uncover and fluff with a fork.
• You can serve couscous plain, or mix in spices and herbs to give it more flavor. If you like, add in a pinch of cumin, sautéed garlic, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs or your choice. Enjoy!

CLAUDIA RODEN'S BASIC COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Mix warm water with salt. Place couscous into an oven-safe dish. Gradually add salted water, stirring vigorously so that it is absorbed evenly. Leave to swell for about 10 minutes, then mix in oil and rub the couscous between your hands above the bowl to air it and break up any lumps. That is the important part.
• Put the dish in an oven preheated to 400F and heat through for 20 minutes, or until it is steaming hot. Before serving, work in butter and fluff it up again, breaking up any lumps.

SIMPLE COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Couscous: Bring the water to a simmer in a small pot over medium heat, then turn off the heat.
• In a shallow baking dish combine the couscous, salt and olive oil, tossing to coat. Add in the warm water and smooth the couscous into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes by the stove.
• Gremolata: In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice with the sea salt, garlic and parsley. Stir in enough olive oil to blend and bring the ingredients together. Taste for seasoning.
• When ready to serve, flake the couscous with a fork and taste for seasoning. If the texture is a little too al dente, microwave the dish for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Reseason the couscous with salt, if necessary. Toss it with the gremolata and, again, taste for seasoning.