Learn how to cook pearl couscous like a pro with my no-fail recipe! Pearled couscous comes together in only 15 minutes! Consider this the easy, tasty side dish of your dreams. Pearl couscous is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Depending upon where you are in the world, you might recognize this particular type of couscous as Maftoul, Ptitim, Israeli Couscous, or Pearl Couscous. Itâs larger in size (similar to a pearl) than the much smaller Moroccan couscous, nutty, and a bit chewy but just as versatile. Keep it simple as I do in this recipe with just a little lemon, olive oil, and parsley for a quick and easy weeknight side dish that everyone will love or go big and make it main. Use up those end of season vegetables and load the couscous up with tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and spices to make a robust Mediterranean salad or as the weather cools enjoy it warm in this Herbed Couscous and Roasted Cauliflower recipe. Think of pearled couscous as a jumping off point for whatever you have in the fridge. All you need is 15 minutes and a little creativity. Table of Contents
What is pearl couscous?Pearl couscous looks like a grain, but itâs actually a type of pasta! It is made of tiny spheres of toasted semolina flour (which is made from durum wheat). Pearled couscous vs Moroccan couscousPearled couscous is not considered a true couscous â unlike Moroccan couscous (also called instant couscous), which is tiny and irregular shaped, pearl couscous granules are larger spheres about the size of a pearl that are uniform in shape. While Moroccan couscous was traditionally made by hand, Pearl couscous has always been machine-made. Moroccan couscous tends to be fluffy and you can typically feel the texture of each grain as you chew. Pearl couscous is more similar to pasta in texture, becoming slightly chewy when cooked (sort of like orzo). You also prepare them differently. Pearl couscous needs to be boiled in water or broth on the stovetop for about 14 minutes, while instant couscous is added to boiling water then removed from the heat so the couscous absorbs the water. It's lighter and fluffier than Pearl couscous. Is pearl couscous gluten free?Pearl couscous is not gluten-free as it is made from wheat, and should therefore be avoided by those who follow a gluten-free diet. Quinoa makes an excellent gluten-free substitute for pearl couscous. But you can also use buckwheat groats (despite the name, buckwheat is a gluten-free grain), riced cauliflower, or short-grain rice instead of pearl couscous. Where to buy pearled couscousYou can find my favorite pearl couscous in our online shop. Our all-natural pearled couscous is so tasty and versatile â I love using it in salads, or to add bulk to soups and stews, like my chicken stew. You can also find pearl couscous at your local grocery store. Both Moroccan and pearled couscous are typically near the rice and beans, or in the international section. If you have no luck there, try a health food store. Ingredients youâll need to cook pearl couscousFor a basic pearl couscous recipe, you donât need anything fancy! Just olive oil, couscous, water, and some salt for flavor.
You can infuse the couscous with more flavor, if you like. Hereâs a few things you can add to take your couscous up a notch:
How to cook pearl couscousPearl couscous is very easy to prepare, especially if you need a last-minute filling side. I like to toast the couscous first for two reasons: Toasting really brings out the nutty flavor of the couscous, and also prevents it from becoming mushy while it cooks.
Ways to dress up pearl couscousPlain pearl couscous is a no-fuss, no-frills side dish, which is what I love about it. I can switch up this recipe based on how busy my day is. If I have a little time, I can add a little oomph to cooked couscous, if I don't then I keep it simple. Here are some ideas for when you want to add add a little extra:
Serving ideasPearled couscous is one of my favorite quick side dishes â and itâs so versatile! Here are some ideas for how to use it:
How to store Pearl couscousStore couscous in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, move the pearl couscous to a saucepan on the stovetop with a little water and reheat until warmed through. To freeze, allow it to come to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will freeze for 3 to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before use. Try these pearl couscous recipesBrowse all Mediterranean recipes. How to Cook Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous)
Tender, chewy, and slightly nutty, pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) is an irresistible side dish that comes together in just a few minutes, with very little effort. Simply toast it in some good extra virgin olive oil and boil it in water or broth on the stove until tender. Itâs as easy as that! You can enjoy pearled couscous at room temperature in a salad, or hot, tossed with some pesto or other sauces of your choice.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Israeli
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 108.1kcal
Author Suzy Karadsheh
Ingredients
Instructions
VideoNotes
Nutrition
Calories: 108.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.2g | Protein: 3.7g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 7.2mg | Potassium: 61.2mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 210.6IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 12.1mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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ABOUT MEHi, I am Daniel Jones from Overland Park, MO. I am a chef by profession, & also publish my recipe tips online on blogs and social media. Archives
April 2023
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