Also known as Israeli couscous, pearl couscous is a great option to add to your weeknight meals. Couscous is not only cheap but also really versatile; its neutral flavor allows you to pair it with whatever other ingredient you have at hand. It allows you to use your imagination and enhance all your dishes with little to no effort.

Today, we will introduce you to some interesting facts on couscous, its health benefits and a recipe for you to try at home.

If you wish to buy pearl couscous and put our recipe to practice, we recommend you visit http://riceselect.com/product/riceselect-pearl-couscous.

 

Some interesting facts on couscous

Many people believe that couscous is a grain, just like rice, wheat or rye. However, this is a type of tiny pasta that is made with water and semolina (flour made from durum wheat). After the mixture for couscous is made, this pasta is then dried and stored until it is steamed and ready to be eaten.

Back in the day, pear couscous, Israeli couscous or even ptitim, used to be handmade; nowadays, it is machine-made and it also comes pre-cooked, so you know you will have your couscous ready in less than twelve minutes!

 

Health benefits

Pearl couscous is famous for being a great source of fiber, which can regulate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, the chances of heart diseases and will also keep you fuller for longer periods of time.  Moreover, this source of fiber can help you prevent constipation as well as intestinal and breast cancer.

One-fourth of a cup serving of uncooked couscous also has about 30 grams of carbs, 20 milligrams of calcium, 1 milligram of iron, and 5 grams of protein.

 

How to make couscous

Learn how to make a fantastic, quick and easy side dish to enhance any meal. This tiny pasta just takes about ten minutes to cook and it will pair incredibly well with anything you have at hand. Here’s how to make it:

• The ratio for cooking is 1 cup of couscous to 1.5 cups of liquid. Just as with rice, using chicken broth or vegetable broth will upgrade this pasta’s flavor.

• Bring the liquid together with the couscous to a boil and then let it all simmer, covered, for about eight to ten minutes. Let it cook until there is no more liquid, and watch the heat!

• After the liquid has been absorbed, let the couscous rest for about two to three more minutes. Fluff it with a fork and it is ready to be used!

 

What to use pearl couscous with?

One of the easiest and most delicious things to make with pearl couscous is Mediterranean Bowls, a great and fast option for any lunch or weeknight meal when we are starving but at the same time do not have the time to spend more than half an hour in the kitchen.

Mediterranean bowls are vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and can even be vegan if we omit some ingredients; you just need one large bowl and a couple of ingredients such as the following:

• A good base of greens: add arugula, kale, and lettuce to the bottom of your bowl.

• Remember to thoroughly clean your greens with plenty of water and some white vinegar.

• Add your couscous! You can make it in advance just as we explained above; toss it with some lemon juice and olive oil and add it to your Mediterranean bowl.

• Chickpeas pair great with couscous. You can use them straight from the can or put them in the oven with some olive oil to add an extra crunchy texture to your bowl.

• Now is the time to add veggies: fresh tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion.

• Make a quick dressing with tahini. Tahini is a sesame seed paste used to make hummus, and it pairs really well with our lemony couscous, chickpeas, and veggies.

• If you eat dairy, we also recommend you add some Fior di Latte cheese to add extra creaminess to your bowl.

• Combine all your ingredients and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean salad!

Now that you know what pearl couscous, Israeli couscous or ptitim is, how quickly you can make it and the health benefits you can enjoy from it, set your imagination free and enhance any dish you make from now on with this tiny and delicious pasta!