Israeli Couscous

[Cuilidh]

I bought a packet of Israeli couscous a week or two ago (not sure why I did this, but it seems that I must have as it is sitting on a shelf in my larder!).

I have never actually cooked couscous before so would love to hear any suggestions on cooking Israeli couscous specifically and does the cooking of this version differ at all from other types of couscous?

[judydawn]

A friend had this with grilled lamb chops recently Marina and she said it was the best meal she had ever had!

Here's some cooking instructions and the recipe on the right hand side looks nice.

[Cuilidh]

Thanks, Judy.  That is a great place to start - will probably have to adapt the recipe, but that's a lesson I have learned on this forum, you don't necessarily have to follow the recipes exactly!

[judydawn]

I think the Israeli couscous looks nicer on a plate than ordinary couscous - the same as quinoa, I think they look a bit messy although of course taste OK. Ordinary couscous is cooked by pouring boiling water over it whereas this type is actually cooked not just soaked.

[obbie]

I like couscous, but my DH doesn't.

wonder what the difference is between them.

[gertbysea]

Where did you get the Israeli couscous cuilidh . Found it once up here but not since.

Gert

[Cuilidh]

I got this pack from a shop in Castlemaine but I believe one of the shops at Vic. market in Melbourne has it as well.  Would you like me to keep en eye out for it and get some for you when I can?

[gertbysea]

Thank cuilidh but I did buy it once up here so will keep my eye out. It might have been an organic shop in the city I don't go to much.

Gert

[snappy]

I buy Israeli couscous regularly - it is also called pearl couscous and I think you can get it in the supermarkets now.  I cook it in the TMX basket for about 10 mins at Varoma temp.  I find the taste is a little less dry than standard couscous and I like how it looks on the plate as well.

[Katiej]

We can buy it at Coles here.
Both my DH and I aren't fond of normal couscous, but we love Israeli couscous.

I've only cooked it on the stove though - I usually add roasted cubes of pumpkin and eggplant and a squeeze of lemon.

[Bonsai]

Israeli couscous is really small spherical pasta so cooks and behaves like pasta. Some people toast it first by frying in a splash of oil before cooking it in water or stock as it gives it a nuttier flavour.  It is sometimes sold as moghrabieh or pearl couscous. Just cook until al dente. It doesn't absorb as much liquid as normal couscous so stays firmer for longer when cooked.