Reconstituted Steamed Couscous

Unlike pasta, couscous should never be boiled (pay no attention to the instructions on most boxes), just reconstituted and steamed. The couscous dishes I’ll be presenting this week make perfect winter dinner party fare; the vegetable and bean dishes will be particularly welcome if there are vegans at your table.

Ingredients

• couscous (use 1/3 cup dry couscous per person)
• ½ teaspoon salt (preferably kosher salt)
• ½ to 1 cup of broth
• a tablespoon or two of olive oil

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

    168 calories; 6 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 22 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 3 grams protein; 597 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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Depends on amount of couscous used

Preparation

1. Place the couscous in a bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably kosher salt) per cup of couscous and mix together. Combine 1/2 to 1 cup of broth from the stew you plan to serve with the couscous with enough warm water to cover the couscous by about 1/2 inch. Let sit for 20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Stir every five minutes with a wooden spoon, or rub the couscous between your moistened thumbs and fingers so that it doesn’t lump. The couscous will now be fairly soft; fluff it with a fork or with your hands. Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, rubbing the couscous between your fingers to distribute the oil throughout. Have the stew at a simmer. Line a colander, sieve or the top part of a couscoussier (a special pot for couscous) with a single layer of cheesecloth, and place the couscous in it. Set it over the stew, making sure that the bottom of the colander does not touch the liquid (remove some of the liquid if it does). Wrap a towel between the edge of the colander and the pot if there is a space, so that steam doesn’t escape. Steam 20 to 30 minutes. The couscous should be fluffy, the grains dry and separate, not al dente and not mushy.

• Alternate steaming methods: To steam in the oven, place the reconstituted couscous in a lightly oiled baking dish, cover tightly with foil and place in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. To steam in a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and pierce the plastic a couple of times with a knife. Microwave for two minutes at full power. Let sit for one minute, then carefully remove the plastic and fluff with a fork. Repeat if desired. Advance preparation: The couscous can be reconstituted up to a day ahead, then steamed before serving. It is customary for many North African cooks to steam their couscous two or three times, spreading it out on a platter between each steaming and allowing it to cool.

30 minutes