Couscous, a traditional Mediterranean dish, is made of wheat semolina that is crushed and formed into very small spheres. It is a wonderful side dish that can be combined with just about any seasoning, meat, or vegetable. But how to reheat couscous?
At around 160 calories, 30 g of carbohydrates, and 0.2 grams of fat, couscous is one of the best choices to consider for diets that are heart-healthy.
Couscous is also a wonderful choice for people who train and need that extra energy kick from healthy carbohydrates.
It can also be a main dish of its own. It can be served cold as a salad, or warm as a light side dish that will not weigh you down.
Couscous is often sold dried, and the small spheres reconstitute once water or broth is added to it. The pellets become fluffy and supple. They can be cooked by boiling, pan frying in medium low heat, and even baking.
As a wheat product, couscous holds the consistency of rice or pasta. This means that couscous has a level of porosity that allows it to absorb liquids through its surface.
Due to the small size of the granules, and level of porosity, couscous should be cooked carefully so it does not lose its consistency or ends up becoming mushy.
Leftover couscous should be refrigerated preferably in air-tight containers, tight-seal containers, or zip bags. When reheating couscous, these are the steps that should be considered:
1. Keep the couscous in the same container where it is currently refrigerated.
Transferring cold couscous from one container to another runs the risk of it breaking down, losing its consistency and becoming mushy.
2. For every cup of couscous, add up to 3 tablespoons of water.
Start by adding one tablespoon and mixing it up while the couscous is cold. Notice how the water affects the texture of the grains, and then decide whether it needs another tablespoon or two.
3. Prepare to heat up the couscous over medium low heat.
Whether you are using your microwave, or boiling the couscous in a bag, choose medium low heat. There is no set time for reheating couscous, so pay close attention to the texture of the grains after the first 5 minutes of reheating.
Be sure that your entire portion is heated properly by tasting the granules and making sure they feel supple and “bouncy” to the bite. If your granules feel “pasty” it may mean that they are overcooked.
4. Try the frying pan
You can also reheat couscous by heating up a skillet over medium low heat, then spraying the pan, coating well-enough to not burn the couscous. Rather than stirring the couscous, try moving the pan around by its handle so the granules move around and get evenly heated.
If you choose to stir the couscous, do it gently, starting around the edges of the pan and slowly moving toward the center. Try not to stir too much so that the granules do not break.
You can also take the granules from the fridge straight into the frying pan, so add on other ingredients and make a meal out of it. Couscous goes great with:
- Chopped leafy greens such as kale and spinach
- Nuts
- Dates
- Crunchy veggies such as celery. Onions, and carrots
Now that you know how to reheat couscous, go ahead and try it yourself. Couscous goes with everything. There has never been a better time to add it to your diet.
How to Store Couscous?
If you’re like most people, you probably have a cupboard full of different types of pasta. But what about couscous?
Couscous is a type of pasta that originates from North Africa and is made from durum wheat semolina. It’s becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a quick and easy side dish or main course.
So, how do you store couscous?
The best way to store couscous is in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you’re not going to use it right away, you can also store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply bring it to room temperature before cooking.
How Long is Couscous good for?
Couscous is a versatile food that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It has a long shelf life and can be stored for several months if properly sealed.
However, like all food, it will eventually go bad. If you’re not sure whether your couscous is still good to eat, there are a few things you can look for.
If the couscous has changed color or developed an off odor, it is probably spoiled and should be discarded. Additionally, if the couscous is hard or dry, it has likely gone bad and should not be eaten.
Finally, if you see any mold growing on the couscous, it is definitely spoiled and should be thrown away immediately. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of caution and throw out any couscous that you are not sure about.
While it is possible for couscous to go bad, there are some ways you can extend its shelf life. First, make sure to store the couscous in an airtight container. This will help keep out oxygen and moisture, which can cause the couscous to spoil.
Additionally, store the couscous in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Finally, if you’re not planning on using all of the couscous at once, you can portion it out into smaller containers or bags before sealing them tightly.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your couscous for months to come. Just be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage so you can avoid any potential food poisoning.