When it comes to meal-planning, rice and pasta are the must-have carbs that complete almost every meal. But where does couscous fit in? Despite common perceptions, all types of couscous are pasta, not grains. Hugely versatile and available in three distinct varieties — Moroccan, Israeli (or pearl) and Lebanese — there’s a couscous for almost any meal, whether you’re making breakfast, salad, stew or simply need a flavorful side to serve alongside a savory main. Fluffy and delicate, couscous absorbs any flavors you throw at it. So, stock up on every kind out there and try something new!
Moroccan Couscous
The smallest type of couscous, Moroccan couscous is made from durum semolina that is rolled into tiny pellets. An ingredient that cooks in minutes, couscous is an essential component of North African cuisine that can be flavored with herbs, spices and stock. Often served as a side dish, this type of couscous is also commonly used in a flavorful, brothy stew also called Moroccan couscous. When people talk about couscous, this is generally the type of couscous they are referring to.
Pearl Couscous (Israeli Couscous)
Slightly larger than Moroccan couscous, pearl (or Israeli) couscous is also nuttier and chewier than its culinary cousin. Made from top-quality semolina wheat, RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous is a filling and fast pairing to stewed vegetable dishes and grilled meats. It also stuns in soups, salads and as a simple side.
Lebanese Couscous (Moghrabieh Couscous)
The largest of all the types of couscous, Lebanese couscous has a temptingly bouncy texture and nutty flavor and aroma, as it is often toasted before it is dried. Due to its size, Lebanese couscous takes longer to cook than other varieties.
Flavored (Tri-Color) Couscous
In addition to regular couscous, infused varieties exist to add gourmet flair and pops of color to any dish. Tinted with tomato and spinach, RiceSelect® Tri-Color Pearl Couscous and Tri-Color Couscous are a feast for the eyes and impart subtle vegetal aromas into any recipe. RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous with Turmeric, meanwhile, is earthy with a rich, warm shade you’ll want to pair with a slew of Middle Eastern dishes.
Whole Wheat and Organic Couscous Varieties
As with other wheat-based products, couscous is available in whole wheat and organic varieties. Made from whole wheat durum semolina, whole wheat couscous is considered "better for you” as it has more fiber, protein and nutrients than regular couscous. RiceSelect® Organic Pearl Couscous is a sustainable option as it contains 100% organic wheat flour.
Choosing the Right Couscous for Your Dish
When choosing which type of couscous to use for your dish, it’s important to consider size, texture, flavor and how quickly you want dinner on the table!
Versatile and incredibly quick to make, Moroccan couscous is a go-to from morning until night. It can be used to make colorful salads, can be added to soups or can be cooked as a side to pair with grilled proteins or stews. Naturally vegan, it’s also popular in plant-based dishes and loaded salads that are hearty enough to serve as mains.
Satisfying and tender, pearl couscous gives dishes more body than smaller varieties. In salads, it adds heft and flavor, turning sides into complete meals. Sub it in for other styles of noodles or rice in pasta dishes and risotto and experience something entirely new! Thanks to its tempting mouthfeel, pearl couscous is also indispensable as a quick side dish to pair with barbecued meats, steamed veggies or a table full of potluck options.
When the goal is to impress, few things wow like infused couscous. Thanks to its unique aroma and eye-catching colors, it’s a must-have in any style of company-worthy dish.
Elevate Your Cooking with RiceSelect® Couscous
For couscous that never disappoints, RiceSelect® offers a range of premium products that blend top quality with the ease that every modern cook craves. Ingredients that cook in as little as 5 minutes, and never more than 10, RiceSelect® couscous products are flavorful, aromatic and can be relied on to elevate every meal (without additional effort!).
Available in major grocery stores, such as Kroger, Whole Foods and Safeway, RiceSelect® couscous can also be found online at Amazon.com and Instacart.com.
Looking for more ways to cook couscous every day? Take a deep dive into the delicious ways you can serve couscous with RiceSelect® recipes designed to keep you satisfied every day of the week!