Easy recipe: Couscous

Have you ever heard of or eaten couscous before? Some people think it is a type of grain or pasta, but it is made from a mixture of wheat and water, although it can also be made from other grains such as barley.

Just like rice, couscous is often paired with vegetable or meat stews. It's not usually as common here in Kenya but it is popular in parts like Northwest Africa.

When it comes to nutritional benefits, couscous is packed. It is a good option if you're looking for some plant-based protein, and it has powerful antioxidants like selenium, among other nutritional benefits.

Couscous might sound like a fancy, complicated meal to prepare but, it's pretty easy. Follow this recipe on how you can cook this flavorful dish.

What you will need:

1 cup couscous

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cup chopped red bell pepper

cup chopped green bell peppers

cup chopped chillies (optional)

cup sweet corn

Chopped red onions

Tomato paste

Blended or grated tomatoes

Seasoning of your choice

Step 1

First, fry some chopped onions in a pan until well cooked. When done, pour in some tomato paste to add some flavour to your dish and let it fry for about three minutes.

Once the paste is well cooked, add the tomatoes. Mix well for the flavours to blend in well, then add salt and seasoning.

For the seasoning, the best recommendation is some curry powder, turmeric, garlic and beef or chicken stock powder. Add one and a half cups of water, mix well and let it cook until the spices are properly combined.

When ready, turn off the heat and pour in a cup of couscous. Mix well until all the couscous is moist.

If you need to add in a bit of water, do so. But, it should only be enough to add some moisture and not an excess amount that completely soaks it up. Place aside for about ten minutes.

Step 2

While the couscous is soaking, heat up some fresh oil in another pan. Add some chopped onions and let them fry for a minute.

After a minute, add the chopped green and red bell peppers, sweet corn and chillies, if you want to add some heat to your dish. Sprinkle salt to bring out the flavours and fry for three to five minutes.

Step 3

Finally, grab the pan with the couscous and fluff it with a fork or serving spoon to get a smooth texture.

You will then pour in the stir-fry mixture and mix until everything is combined. When you're done serve and enjoy this simple, but delicious couscous dish as it is.

Another option is to have it with some gravy or stew so that it's more filling.

Tip:

This is an easy-to-make veggie recipe that you can customize with other vegetables like peas and carrots. And if you want to add some meat, you can boil and fry some beef or chicken pieces early then add to your stir-fry mixture when you get to that step.