Easy Tunisian Couscous Recipe

Tunisian Couscous Recipe: A Flavorful and Quick Meal from North Africa. This recipe brings out the warmth and flavorful North African cuisine. This traditional Dish combines small pieces of steamed semolina with a delightful vegetable medley enriched with rich cumin, coriander, and harissa. Whether vegetarian or a meat lover, this versatile and quick meal can quickly adapt to your taste preferences, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch. Discover different couscous variations and learn how to store dried and cooked Couscous. All while exploring the essence of Tunisian cuisine. Without further do, let’s explore together.

Tunisian Couscous Ingredients

Vegetable Medley:

• Olive Oil: Infuses a rich, fruity note into the vegetable medley.
• Onion: Adds a savory and sweet undertone to the dish.
• Carrots: Contribute a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Zucchinis: Provide a tender texture and mild flavor to the medley.
• Garlic: Infuses a spicy and aromatic depth.
• Tomato Paste: Offers a concentrated, umami-rich tomato flavor.
• Harissa: Adds heat and a complex spice blend to the dish.
• Ground Cumin: Imparts earthy warmth.
• Ground Coriander: Enhances with citrusy, sweet, and spicy notes.
• Ground Caraway: Contributes a warm, anise-like flavor.
• Broth: Chicken, vegetable, or water, enriching the medley with savory goodness.
• Garbanzo Beans: Bring a nutty texture and protein.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: Infuses a citrusy brightness.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, balancing flavors.

Couscous:

• Olive Oil: Coats the couscous, adding richness.
• Couscous: A staple grain offering a light and fluffy texture.
• Hot Water or Broth: Infuse the couscous with additional flavor.

This Tunisian Couscous boasts a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and herbs, creating a flavorful and satisfying culinary experience.

Tunisian Couscous: Quick Cooking Tips

Tunisian Style: In Tunisia, the most common method involves steaming couscous with a blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices until it becomes fluffy and light. Couscous can absorb these seasonings, making it a versatile dish that can shine on its own or serve as the perfect side dish to complement meats and veggies.

• Expanding Couscous: One cup of dry couscous usually expands to about 2 to 2 1/2 cups when cooked.
• Water-to-Couscous Ratio: The standard ratio is simple: 1:1. For every cup of dry couscous, you’ll need one cup of boiling water.
• Enhancing Flavor: Elevate the taste by adding a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the boiling water, or use broth, either vegetable, to keep it vegan or chicken if that is not an issue. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses delightful flavor into your couscous.

Variations of Tunisian Couscous

Tunisian Couscous can be adapted for a healthy, vegetarian, or gluten-free diet. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonal vegetables like potatoes, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Roast the vegetables before adding them to the Couscous to bring out even more flavor.

 For spices, the warmth of cumin and coriander caraway gives this dish depth. In addition to the harissa, add a bit of excellent heat. Some traditional variations include chickpeas, raisins, and almonds for a sweet and nutty flavor or lamb or beef for a heartier dish. Toasting Couscous also brings out a nutty flavor from the semolina wheat. Cook it on a pan for a few minutes until it’s slightly brown before adding other ingredients to add this extra dimension of flavor.

What to serve with this Dish?

Tunisian Couscous is a versatile dish that pairs well with many main courses. Here are some suggestions:

Moroccan Chicken Tagine: The rich and aromatic flavors of the tagine perfectly complement the warm spices and tender vegetables in the Couscous. As well as our Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder or Braised Lamb Shanks: The hearty and robust flavors of the lamb pair perfectly with the nuttiness and texture of the Couscous. Roasted Chicken is always a winning recipe and an excellent option to pair with this Dish. The Couscous serves as a flavorful and filling side dish that enhances the flavors of the Chicken. No matter what course you choose, Tunisian Couscous will be a delicious and satisfying addition to your meal.