Simple and Healthy Couscous

Couscous is a tiny pasta made by rolling and shaping semolina wheat and then coating it with ground wheat flour. It can be made differently, such as in Brazil where it's made from pre-cooked sweet-corn flakes and in Israel where it may be made with hard wheat. It can also be from ground barley or pearl millet.

It usually takes some time to prepare and is steamed. Traditionally it can be served with meat or vegetable stew. It also can be served hot or cold and eaten alone, plain or flavored.

The dish is traditionally served in North and West Africa, France, Spain, Madeira, Greece, Cyprus, parts of Sicily and parts of the Middle East. Of course, it is eaten in many other parts of the world. Couscous was first referenced in the 13th century in an anonymous cookbook with cuisine from the North Africa/Iberian Peninsula regions.

Western supermarkets sell couscous that has been pre-steamed and dried. This couscous is ready in minutes and all you have to do is mix with boiling water. In the US, you can find couscous mainly in the ethnic or health-food sections of grocery stores.

There are many ways to prepare healthy and delicious dishes with couscous. Here are a few simple ideas.

Couscous as a side dish

Couscous makes a wonderful side dish. Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to prepare the couscous and add vegetables such as carrots for a quick and healthy side dish. Boil your carrots in the broth first then add the couscous. Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, fluff and serve.

Couscous as a salad

Add your couscous to boiling water, cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for several minutes and fluff. Now you can add olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt and pepper, cucumbers, red onions, black olives, grape tomatoes, chick peas and other vegetables to make a delicious salad.

Couscous as a dessert

Couscous is also delicious as a dessert. Grouprecipes.com has a great recipe for Apple Couscous that is made with apple juice, golden raisins, spice, an apple, brown sugar and couscous. It's a simple and healthy dessert.