Couscous is an ancient round pasta made from durum wheat semolina that is steamed and crushed into small balls. Using a time-honored technique, couscous production uses the hardest part of the durum wheat that can’t be fully ground by the millstone, a process of separation that is traditionally done by hand.
How is couscous used?
With a slightly crunchy texture and deliciously nutty flavor, couscous makes a hearty base for a range of pungent and bright ingredients like crumbled feta, fresh veggies, capers, and so much more. It can also be used in stews, soups and as a rice substitute in many dishes. Similar to a round pasta, couscous is easy to prepare. Simply boil water and steep couscous grains with salt and pepper, olive oil or butter, and other seasonings. Once tender, toss couscous in a pasta sauce, add to a soup, or create a cold salad with mint and herbs.
What kinds of couscous can I buy?
Supermarket Italy’s online shop features a selection of top couscous brands and other rice substitutes from Italy and Northern Africa. Try Les Moulins Mahjoub, a premium brand of specialty couscous grains and pasta sauces imported from Tunisia that are handmade start to finish. Les Moulins Mahjoub M’Hamsa Couscous are hand-rolled and dried in the sun, giving them extra fine texture and nutty flavor. You can also give your cooking a Sardinian twist with Fregola Sarda, a round pasta made from semolina that is very similar to couscous in size and shape.
