Cous cous comes in a transparent plastic back with a resealable top. It is very good value for money In UK it costs around 85 pence for 500 grams which is $1.70. I have no idea how much it is in US, or other countries but I can't imagine it being a lot. It's a cheap food.
Cous cous is durum wheat semolina and it is eaten in Morocco and other Mediterranean countries. However, when I say semolina, don't imagine that this is like the semolina pudding that was widely know for being sticky enough to paste wallpaper to the walls. This has more texture and it is in the form of tiny grains which are highly absorbent.
This product really expands in water, or stock, so a 50gram portion weighs 113 grams when cooked. This makes it very filling. It takes about 7 minutes to make.
All you have to do is to put 250mils water into a pan and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Then add 200grams of cous cous, stir, cover and remove from the heat until the liquid is absorbed. Add a knob of butter if you wish and season to taste. Cover again and heat gently for 3 minutes. Then separate the grains with a fork.
I haven't found it necessary to go to all this trouble. This grain is much more easily prepared by placing 200 grams couscous into a bowl and adding 250mils boiling water. Add butter and seasoning if you wish and then cover the bowl. Leave for around ten minutes and separate the grains with a fork.
If you eat this by itself it is very bland so you might want to soak it in beef, chicken or vegetable stock and serve with vegetables, chicken, pieces of beef. You can also serve it with fruit if you cook in water instead of stock, or mix it with honey and lemon. I have eaten it for breakfast with milk and honey and it's lovely. You can also make it into a salad with lemon juice, tomato and onion. Just use your imagination, or find a recipe for a couscous dish or search the internet.
Nutritionally, this grain provides the following:
Per 50 gram portion cooked in water.
- 160 calories
- 0.5 grams fat
- 0.4grms fibre
- trace salt
It has no artificial colours, flavourings, or sweeteners.
So, this grain has everything from versatility to healthy nutrition. I also find it very filling so it will help me to lose those few extra pounds that I've put on over the winter. If you haven't tried it, it might just be worth a go. I'm really glad that I did.
