Autumn Pearl Couscous Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe | Little Spice Jar (2024)

FAQs

What flavors go well with couscous? ›

Chopped coriander and parsley are classic accompaniments, mint is excellent and you could also try other soft leaves such as basil. Lemon: Grated lemon rind and a squeeze of juice will add extra zing. Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or a few slivered almonds add lovely crunch.

Healthy Facts: Pearl couscous is a source of fiber. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, aids digestion, and can help reduce constipation. Pearl couscous is low in sugar and is lower on the Glycemic Index.

What is couscous? Although couscous looks like a grain, it's technically a pasta – it's made with semolina flour from durum wheat, mixed with water.

Add some cumin, paprika or turmeric (or create a spice mix that you love) to the cooking water for a subtle warmth and depth. Alternatively, toss the cooked couscous with fresh herbs like mint, parsley or coriander for a burst of freshness.

Couscous is packed with nutrients and has better selenium per serving than white rice when it comes to selenium and other elements. It is light and filling, making it a good choice for busy professionals, families and people who don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to prepare a healthy, delicious meal.

Boosts Your Immune System. The selenium in couscous can also give your immune system a boost. This antioxidant helps reduce inflammation and boosts immunity by lowering oxidative stress in your body ( 2 ).

The main difference between pearl couscous and Moroccan couscous is the size. The grains of Moroccan couscous are much smaller, compared to the pea-size granules in the pearl variety (made memorable by their namesake). This, of course, affects the preparation and cooking time of each grain.

Compared to couscous, quinoa has stronger anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With 7 percent fewer calories per 100 grams of cooked couscous than quinoa, it is healthier for weight loss. Every 100 grams of cooked quinoa has 120 calories. Every 100 grams of cooked couscous has 112 calories.

Couscous contains 176 calories per cooked cup (157g). Of those calories, 85% come from carbs, 14% from protein, and 1% from fat.

The verdict. Quinoa, hands down. The similarities are deceptive… Quinoa is a complete protein, can be part of a gluten-free diet, has more nutrients and double the fibre of couscous. And, when cooked, it has a lower GI, so it should help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Does couscous make you bloated? ›

For people with even a mild gluten intolerance, glutinous foods can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, diarrhea, and fatigue. Avoiding gluten-based foods at all costs is the best way to keep these symptoms at bay if you're allergic or intolerant.

Couscous is a dried and cracked pasta made from semolina, like tiny pasta, meaning it cooks at lightning speed. It has a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with stews, braises, and grilled or roasted veggies.

As other people have said, with veggies and a sauce is great, I use to have it with broccoli and chickpeas. Salad!! I make basically a pasta salad but substitute couscous instead. Usually include cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

Couscous is made from small, round pieces of semolina, a byproduct of durum wheat. Pieces of semolina look like tiny pearls, and they have a pleasant neutral flavor that pairs well as a side dish with a wide variety of soups, stews, and sauces.

This North African staple has gained global popularity because of its tremendous flexibility, allowing for many recipe variations featuring a host of additional ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, and meats are all used as additions, making couscous an excellent main or side dish that can please just about any palate.