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Want to learn how to cook couscous? But don’t know the couscous water ratio, or how much couscous per person? Don’t worry! In this helpful post, I’m going to show you just how easy it is to cook couscous perfectly every time. And get the portion sizes right!
What is couscous?
Despite it’s granular, rice-like appearance, couscous is actually made of semolina. Which is a granule of durum wheat. So it’s basically a variety of pasta!
With this in mind, please note that couscous is not gluten free. And not suitable for those who follow a gluten free diet.
Couscous water ratio
The couscous to water ratio is really very simple. It’s 50/50. But you must remember that it is equal volume. Not weight.
For example. Get your favourite mug out the cupboard. Fill it to the top with couscous. You’re then going to use that same cup, and fill it to the top with boiling water (or other cooking liquid). This is what we mean by a 50/50 volume ratio.
How much couscous per person
45g (1/4 Cup) of dried couscous will make a perfectly sized side for 1 person. If you are making your couscous as a main dish, aim for 60g (1/3 Cup) of dried couscous per person.
How to flavour couscous
Flavouring couscous is very easy to do. The simplest way to boost flavour, in a big way, is to use stock instead of water as the cooking liquid.
You can also use plenty of tasty additions. For example, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, coriander or chives. Diced vegetables make a great accompaniment too. Think peppers, spring onion, or even cooked chopped butternut squash.
Crumbled and cubed cheese is a particularly tasty extra. Feta is a favourite of mine! Flaked almonds also works well, as they add a nice crunch.
You could also serve it alongside flavourful things, like chicken skewers.
Helpful Tips!
Here are some tips you may find helpful when cooking couscous.
- Use the correct liquid to couscous ratio to avoid soggy or undercooked couscous.
- Want more flavour? Use stock instead of water as the cooking liquid.
- Once you’ve mixed the couscous with the cooking liquid, leave it alone. Don’t be tempted to stir it.
- Add a little olive oil or some small cubes of butter to the bowl before adding the couscous for extra flavour. This will help prevent sticking too.
- Use a fork to perfectly fluff up your couscous. A spoon just won’t do!
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How to Cook Couscous - Printable
Learn how to cook couscous perfectly. Including the couscous water ratio and how much couscous per person!
Ingredients
- 120ml (1/2 Cup) Boiling Water
- 90g (1/2 Cup) Couscous
Essential Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Plate
- Fork
Instructions
- Add the boiling water to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour in the couscous and shake gently, so it's completely covered by the water.
- Top with a plate, and leave for 5-8 minutes.
- Remove the plate, and fluff up the couscous with a fork. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Notes
How much couscous per person?
45g (1/4 Cup) of dried couscous will make a perfectly sized side for 1 person. If you are making your couscous as a main dish, aim for 60g (1/3 Cup) of dried couscous per person.
Couscous to water ratio
The couscous to water (or other cooking liquid) ratio is 50/50 by volume. So use the same volume of couscous to liquid. (Not weight.)
See the main post for lots of tips, FAQs and other helpful information.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 50Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Nutritional information on kitchenmason.com should only be used as a general guideline, I am not a certified nutritionist. Please always check labels for allergens where applicable.
Have your say!
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About Emma Mason
Emma is a professional blogger. Utilising over 20 years of cooking experience, she’s passionate about making your life easier, one recipe at a time! Drawing on her 12+ year background in recipe research and development, photography, copy writing and marketing, Emma has turned kitchenmason.com into a successful career. Known as ‘the organisation queen’ among friends, she is passionate about creating easy to follow recipes that anyone can follow and enjoy. She lives in Nottingham (UK) with her husband, daughter and 2 naughty cats. In her spare time she can be found reading a good book, training at the dojo preparing for her black belt grading, or dreaming up the next crazy colour combo for her hair!