What is couscous and where can you buy it?
Discover what couscous is, where to shop for it, and how to use it in our ingredient glossary
Check out our guide to couscous, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about tempeh, falafel and halloumi.
What is couscous?
Couscous originates from North Africa and is made of small, steamed granules of rolled semolina. It’s commonly served with vegetables – such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips – with a mild or spicy stew spooned on top. You’ll also find it paired with meat including chicken, lamb or mutton. Couscous is considered a staple food in countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya. It was later integrated into European cuisine via the French colonial empire in the twentieth century.
Where to buy couscous
Bia couscous, £3.99/1kg, olive shop
Essential couscous, £2.15/1kg, Waitrose
Couscous recipes
Check out plenty more couscous recipe inspiration.
Cauliflower couscous salad
Check out our vibrant cauliflower and couscous salad recipe with crispy onions and a punchy zhoug dressing. This easy dish is vegan and low in calories, too.
Harissa chicken and couscous salad
Punchy harissa and a vibrant couscous salad in a zesty preserve lemon dressing livens up this easy chicken dish – ideal for an everyday dinner for two.
Chicken, giant couscous and harissa broth
Giant couscous adds a springy texture to this wholesome broth, with chicken, spring greens and a kick of harissa.
Couscous salad
This fresh Middle Eastern-inspired salad features zingy ras el hanout, sumac and mint on a bed of couscous – it’s a filling and flavoursome lunch or veggie side dish.
Lamb steaks with giant couscous
This simple lamb steaks recipe with giant couscous is bursting with fresh, zesty flavours, making the perfect evening meal for two.