9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (2024)

Israeli couscous is chewy and satisfying. Here are the best easy, delicious Israeli couscous recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Table of Contents hide

1What is special about Israeli couscous?

2What is Israeli Couscous?

3What is the Difference Between Regular and Israeli Couscous?

4How Long Do You Cook Israeli Couscous for?

5How Do You Store Israeli Couscous?

6Is Israeli Couscous the Same as Pasta?

71. One Pot Cacio e Pepe Israeli Couscous

82. Roasted Cherry Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad

93. Beet and Citrus Salad with Israeli Couscous

104. Roasted Broccoli and Pesto with Chickpeas and Couscous

115. Herby Eggplant Israeli Couscous

126. Israeli Couscous with Roasted Cauliflower, Pistachios and Dates

137. Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta, Cranberries and Mint

148. Lemony Arugula Salad with Couscous, Feta and Cucumber

159. Israeli Couscous Salad with Peas, Mint and Feta

179+ Genius Israeli Couscous Recipes You Seriously Have to Try + a Basic Recipe

18Other Recipes You Won’t Want to Miss

19You’ll Also Love These

What is special about Israeli couscous?

A lesser-known ingredient in North American kitchens, Israeli couscous is actually tiny pasta shape is made of semolina flour, then toasted, creating a deliciously nutty flavor.

Also known as pearl couscous, is the larger, chewier version of what we call‘regular’ couscous.

(See also: Couscous vs. Pasta – the comparison might surprise you!)

It’s perfect served cold and tossed with fresh herbs and a bright vinaigrette, or hot – warmed and served with some good quality cheese and roasted vegetables – there are countless ways to enjoy Israeli couscous.

Here are some of my favorites!

What is Israeli Couscous?

Israeli couscous, also known as pearl couscous, sprung from Israel in the 1950s when rice was scarce in the country. During this time, Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion was trying to find a way to feed the increasing population.

These balls, which are larger than regular couscous, get toasted during their manufacturing process and thus have alovely nutty flavor.

To cook Israeli couscous, you boil it like pasta in water seasoned with Kosher salt until al dente. It can be eaten hot or cold and has a short prep time, making it an easy dish to whip up. Here’s a basic couscous salad dressing recipe you must try.

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (2)

What is the Difference Between Regular and Israeli Couscous?

Are you trying to figure out whether or not you cansubstitute regular couscous forIsraeli couscous? If so, here are a few notes on each ingredient. Including, how they differ.

Regular couscousis made withsemolina flourwhich is a type ofwheat flour. This ingredient and dish originated in North Africa.

In terms of cooking, these little grains get steamed in different broths and liquids that have been brought to a simmer.(For regular couscous, read How to Cook Perfect Fluffy Couscous).

They are then given a stir with a fork until it resembles loose fluff. You just need to lightly lift and separate the granules so that they don’t clump together.

Regular couscous is made really flavorful when cooked with either vegetable broth or a rich chicken broth.

How Long Do You Cook Israeli Couscous for?

Ten minutesin a large saucepan ofsalted boiling wateris the rough cook time for Israeli couscous. It’s slightly different from regular pasta in that it gets cooked until the water is absorbed. It should retain a texture with a nice bite.

As this ingredient was created as a rice alternative, the cooking process is similar.

How Do You Store Israeli Couscous?

Cooked Israeli couscous can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Allow the pasta to cool completely to room temperature before packing it up in its container. This will avoid it from steaming in the container and turning to mush.

Cooked Israeli couscous should last about 4 days in the refrigerator. This ingredient can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure it has completely cooled before freezing.

Is Israeli Couscous the Same as Pasta?

Israeli couscous, or giant couscous, is a type of pasta that is made from semolina flour and water.

So, yes, Israeli couscous is the same as pasta, as it is a pasta variant.

Here are 10 delicious and easy Israeli couscous recipes that will have you adding couscous to your grocery list this week –

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (3)

1. One Pot Cacio e Pepe Israeli Couscous

The classic Italian comfort food, which translates to cheese and pepper pasta, ditches its typical long, thin noodle for pearl couscous. Creamy, cheesy, and served warm.

This is such a simple, unctuous dish and is a fantastic mid-week whip-up.

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (4)

2. Roasted Cherry Tomato and Basil Couscous Salad

A drizzle of olive oil and a quick roast in the oven brings a rich and full flavor to the tomatoes in this simple, fresh salad recipe.

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (5)

3. Beet and Citrus Salad with Israeli Couscous

Earthy beets are given a bright, citrusy punch and rounded out with chewy Israeli couscous in this salad, perfect for winter.

Beet and Citrus Salad with Israeli Couscous by Foodess

4. Roasted Broccoli and Pesto with Chickpeas and Couscous

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (6)

Is there anything that pesto doesn’t pair well with? Couscous and chickpeas come together in a complimentary, chewy combo in this cheesy, broccoli-studded Israeli couscous creation.

5. Herby Eggplant Israeli Couscous

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (7)

Fresh mint and parsley are torn and tossed with lemon juice to add a bright flavor to the caramelized onion, garlic, and eggplant in this could-totally-be-comfort-food couscous.

Herby Eggplant Israeli Couscous by Truffles and Trends

6. Israeli Couscous with Roasted Cauliflower, Pistachios and Dates

For an uber-foodie twist, add pistachios, golden raisins and chopped dates to Israeli couscous in this crunchy-sweet-fresh dish.

7. Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Feta, Cranberries and Mint

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (9)

If there’s a veggie-packed Israeli couscous salad on this list, it’s this one. Super simple and tossed together with ingredients I’m sure you already have in your kitchen. Give this one a go!

8. Lemony Arugula Salad with Couscous, Feta and Cucumber

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (10)

What do you get when you mix the peppery bite of rocket with the tang of feta cheese and zing of lemon? This fresh, must-try salad.

9. Israeli Couscous Salad with Peas, Mint and Feta

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (11)

Peas and mint are a classic combo that definitely isn’t going away any time soon. This makes a lovely, fresh side dish. It looks really pretty too.

10. Cucumber, Mango & Avocado Israeli Couscous Salad with Mint-Chile Vinaigrette

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (12)

There’s something about the fresh pop of mango that I seriously can’t resist. Add a kick to it with this homemade mint-chile couscous salad dressing and you’ve got a delicious situation that will impress at any summer gathering.

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9+ Genius Israeli Couscous Recipes You Seriously Have to Try + a Basic Recipe

Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 4

Side Dish

Middle Eastern

Keyword how to cook israeli couscous, israeli couscous, israeli couscous recipe, Israeli couscous recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Israeli couscous
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 tsp salt to taste

Instructions

  • Rinse the Israeli couscous under cold running water and drain well.

  • Heat the olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

  • Add the Israeli couscous to the saucepan and stir it constantly for about 2-3 minutes or until the couscous turns golden brown.

  • Pour in the water and salt and bring it to a boil.

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the couscous is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

  • Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the couscous.

Notes

Serve hot as a side dish or use it as a base for a salad or grain bowl.
Note: You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic, onion, or herbs, to the couscous while cooking to add more flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 586mgPotassium: 137mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 329IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg

Keyword how to cook israeli couscous, israeli couscous, israeli couscous recipe, Israeli couscous recipes

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9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (20)

Kim

9 months ago

9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (21)
Great recipes! Israeli couscous is so delicious and I love the tips.

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9+ Israeli Couscous Recipes You SERIOUSLY Must Try - Foodess (2024)

FAQs

What can I put in couscous to make it taste better? ›

I toss it with herbs, lemon juice, pine nuts, and olive oil to make a bright, refreshing pilaf. It pairs nicely with any protein, vegetable main dish, or soup!

What is special about Israeli couscous? ›

Israeli couscous isn't actually couscous—it's a machine-made, perfectly round pasta with a delightful chewiness that's ideal as a base for grain salads, pasta sauce, risotto, and more.

Is Israeli couscous healthier than regular couscous? ›

Look for whole wheat couscous, which contains slightly more fiber and is widely available in most large chain grocery stores. Israeli couscous comes in with similar numbers at 200 calories, 7 grams protein and 1 gram of fiber in a one cup cooked portion.

Why is Israeli couscous not couscous? ›

Originally called p'titim (also written ptitim) — which translates to “flakes” or “l*ttle crumbles” in Hebrew — Israeli couscous is not actually couscous, but rather extruded pasta that has been toasted.

Is couscous healthier than rice? ›

While couscous and white rice have almost the same amount of calories per 100 grams, couscous contains more protein and higher amounts of vitamins and minerals so can be considered a healthier option in those departments. Both grains can support weight loss when incoporated into a balanced, healthy diet.

What is couscous traditionally eaten with? ›

In Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, it is generally served with vegetables (carrots, potatoes, and turnips) cooked in a spicy or mild broth or stew, usually with some meat (generally, chicken, lamb, or mutton). Couscous with vegetables, meat, and tfaya.

Is Israeli couscous healthier than rice? ›

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.

Is Israeli couscous healthier than pasta? ›

Couscous has a nutritional profile similar to white pasta, high in carbohydrates without other health benefits such as fiber or protein content. If you are looking to enjoy food with a higher carbohydrate content, there isn't much difference between choosing pasta or couscous.

Is couscous healthier than quinoa? ›

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.

Is couscous anti-inflammatory? ›

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 ).

Can I eat couscous every day? ›

Health Benefits of Integrating Couscous into Your Diet

From being a rich source of protein to its relatively high fibre content, couscous offers a nutritional boost that can positively impact your overall well-being and offer a welcome alternative to eating pasta every day of the week.

What is another name for Israeli couscous? ›

What Is Israeli Couscous? Israeli couscous is also known as pearl couscous, p'titim, and giant couscous. It was first made in Israel in the 1950s as a substitute for rice, which was in short supply. Pearl couscous is made by mixing together semolina or wheat flour with water.

Is Israeli couscous inflammatory? ›

Rich in selenium – One cup of couscous will provide about 60 percent of the selenium you need per day to stay healthy. This powerful antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation and repair cells that may be damaged.

Is orzo the same as Israeli couscous? ›

Where orzo looks long and shaped like rice, couscous comes in round ball form, often very small. For a larger couscous that is closer in size to orzo, Israeli couscous is a good substitute.

Is semolina the same as couscous? ›

Semolina is the coarsely ground meal from durum wheat, the hard wheat grown greatly in the Middle East. Couscous is, essentially, pasta. (There is no grain called couscous!) It is made from semolina flour and water.

How do you salvage couscous? ›

Rehydrating Couscous with Hot Water

Cover, and let the couscous steam for 5 minutes. When you lift the lid, the grains will appear flat in an even layer. Use a fork to fluff it up and break up the clumps for light and fluffy couscous. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a little salt.

Why is couscous bland? ›

You cooked it in water

Couscous' natural flavor is mild and delicate. It isn't as explosively flavor-packed as, say, a nacho cheese Dorito. Couscous is a type of tiny, granular pasta made from semolina flour, says Food Network. The semolina flour is what gives couscous its golden color and nutty taste.

Does couscous taste like pasta or rice? ›

What Is Couscous? Couscous is a type of pasta that's made from semolina wheat flour and water. The subtle nutty flavor of couscous makes it a versatile ingredient that can be combined with fruits, vegetables and meats to create an excellent main or side dish.

How to make couscous Jamie Oliver? ›

Method. Place the couscous, cumin, paprika and a big pinch of salt into a bowl. Stir to combine, then pour over just enough boiling water to cover the couscous. Cover the bowl and leave for about 10 minutes.

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