RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous
INGREDIENTS: WHEAT FLOUR
CONTAINS: WHEAT
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil (optional)
- 1 cup pearl couscous
Bring water to a boil. Add salt and butter or olive oil, if desired. Stir in pearl couscous. Cover with a lid; reduce heat to low and simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Yields approximately 2 cups.
What is Pearl Couscous?
With a delicate texture and distinguished flavor, Pearl Couscous, also traditionally known as Israeli Couscous, is named for its unique shape when formed into small spheres, then toasted in an open-flame oven. This toasting process allows the pasta to absorb liquid without falling apart and distinguishes it from traditional Moroccan Couscous and other pastas such as orzo. Often confused with a plump rice grain such as Arborio Rice, pearl couscous is actually pasta. To find out more about its wonderful characteristics and varieties, take a look at our guide to everything you need to know about couscous.
For more incredible varieties, try our Tri-Color Pearl Couscous or our Pearl Couscous with Turmeric.
Benefits
- Made with Quality Durum Wheat
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Certified Kosher by Star K
- Packaged in a 100% recyclable, BPA-Free jar
- No preservatives or additives and low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium
{{h2r}}Couscous Recipes
RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous is a filling yet fast addition to your meals. There are so many different ways to make couscous, however one of our favorite recipes to make with couscous is this traditional Moroccan Roasted Seven Vegetable Couscous Recipe. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables to really make this dish your own.
What Does Couscous Pair Well With?
Couscous is a pretty versatile ingredient and can go well in a wide variety of different dishes. One ingredient that pairs particularly well with couscous is lentils, for example in this Lentil and Turmeric Pearl Couscous Soup Recipe. The addition of RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous makes this soup a comforting yet filling recipe.
Adding Flavor to Couscous
Spice up your couscous by mixing it together with a homemade vinaigrette, like in this Holiday Couscous Salad Recipe.
Is Couscous a Rice or a Pasta?
Although you could say that couscous more closely resembles a type of rice grain, it is actually a type of pasta. Perhaps one of the main selling points of couscous is its fast cook time in relation to rice and pasta.
Pearl Couscous Recipe
Israeli Pearl couscous is slightly different to more traditional Moroccan couscous in that it’s bigger with a nuttier taste and chewy texture. That said, RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous is just as versatile, pairing well with a variety of different recipes, including Moroccan dishes, such as this Moroccan Spiced Roast Chicken With Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Stew Recipe.
Couscous Water Ratio
To cook RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous you will need to use 1 : 1.5 ratio. So if you are using 1 cup of pearl couscous, you will need to use 1 ½ cups of water.
Couscous Calories
A typical serving of RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous will have approximately 200 calories.
Israeli Couscous Recipes
For another Israeli couscous recipe, learn how to make this Tri-Color Pearl Couscous With Langoustines Recipe. This recipe uses RiceSelect® Tri-Color Pearl Couscous which is a blend of three different pearl couscous types.
How to Cook Israeli Couscous
RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous, first bring your water to the boil and some salt and butter (or olive oil) for a bit of extra flavor. Then stir in the couscous and reduce to low heat. Cover with a lid and leave to simmer for around 8-10 minutes. Remember to keep stirring the pearl couscous throughout the cooking process.
How to Cook Pearl Couscous
Our versatile Pearl Couscous is made from the highest quality semolina wheat and is easy to prepare; simply add to boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes. Once it is ready, add sauce as you would any other pasta, or unlock layers of your culinary creativity. Use it for salads, soups or as a delicious bed for grilled or roasted fish, vegetables or meat.
Pearl Couscous Salad
Perfectly complemented by a wide array of flavor, pearl couscous offers a filling touch to all kinds of salads whether it be a light lunch or hearty meal. Start with a Green Goddess Pearl Couscous Salad Recipe bursting with zesty herbs, microgreens and fresh vegetables. Or, prepare a Middle Eastern inspired dish like Chicken Shawarma served over a Turmeric Couscous Salad with haloumi cheese, vegetables, hummus, and a lemon vinaigrette.
What is Israeli Couscous?
RiceSelect® Pearl Couscous is often referred to as Isreali couscous because it originated in Israel during a period of austerity, which included rationing. It was so well accepted as a wheat-based substitute for rice that it is still cooked today and has since gained global popularity as a pantry staple worldwide.
Pearl Couscous Chicken Recipes
There are many ways to incorporate this wheat-based carb into your meals. Start by serving it on the side of a simple chicken breast or make it into an elevated dinner to celebrate like this Moroccan-inspired Chicken, Cracked Olive and Pearl Couscous Tagine.
Pearl Couscous Vegetarian Recipes
If you prefer a more plant-based diet, pearl couscous is ideal for a filling meatless meal. Combine with vegetables, fruits or other vegetarian meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, beans or veggie burgers. It’s also wonderful to use as a base for recipes in a bowl like this Turmeric Couscous Glow Bowl.
