I heard about couscous for the first time in 'Top Chef', one of my favorite cooking show. There was this chef (I am horrible at remembering names) and she would cook couscous in every other challenge. It always looked delicious and I used to wonder about the taste and texture.
I didn't had any luck finding couscous in India. As soon as I saw it in the shops out here, I knew I had to give it a try.
The texture looks grainy and it tastes like a combination of pasta and semolina. It can taste very dry unless paired with something more moist like a stew or meat. It's commonly eaten in North Africa and is one of the healthiest grain-based products.
When properly cooked, couscous is fluffy and light and not mushy. The traditional method of cooking couscous involves using a metal steamer : the base is tall metal pot-shaped, rather like an oil jar in which the meat and vegetables are cooked as a stew. On top of the base, a steamer is present, where the couscous is cooked, absorbing the flavors from the stew.
The couscous that is sold in supermarkets is pre-steamed and dried. Hence, it takes a max of 5 mins to cook. It's quick, easy and came out perfect on my very first attempt! You cannot really go wrong in making nice fluffy couscous if you just follow correct steps. I like to toss it with some vegetables, some dry fruits and make a nice salad. The best thing I liked about couscous is that it tastes good warm or cold.. not chill cold!
Today, I served it with italian sausage mixed with some sweet peppers. It was a meal by itself.. but light! These sweet peppers not only look pretty but also taste sweet.
I didn't want to add extra spice and lose the taste of the sausage or that sweet pepper.. hence, used minimal spice. Just a little bit of rosemary and garlic. I added a little bit of chilly flakes and that's just because I like a little heat in my savory dish.
Couscous with Italian Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1-½ cup chicken stock
- 5 italian sausages (cut in bite size)
- 4 shallots (finely chopped (I used shallots as they are very mild. You can use onions as well))
- 10 to 12 sweet peppers (cut in bite size)
- 1 tbs chilly flakes
- 2 tbs rosemary (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated)
- salt
- pepper
- oil
Instructions
- Heat 3 tbs oil in a deep pan.
- Add garlic and shallots and saute for about couple of minutes.
- Add the sausages and cook for another few minutes. You should be careful as they might splatter.
- Season with salt, pepper and add chopped rosemary.
- Then, add the sweet peppers and saute for a while.
- Finally, add the chilly flakes and cook for another 2 minutes. Once done, keep it aside.
- In a deep pan, add the chicken stock and bring it to boil.
- Add couscous, mix it properly and switch off the heat.
- Season with some salt and pepper and cover the pan for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, use a fork and fluff the couscous carefully.
- Serve the couscous with the sausage.
Nutrition
Sharing this dish with Fresh Food Friday
Kimberley
Yum! This looks simple and classic.
Sarah
oh my! wonderful combinations! and such mouth-watering pics!
Natasha
Hi Kankana! I'm visiting via Fresh Food Friday. I'm so glad I stopped by your blog as I am always looking for new and delicious recipes. Thanks so much for sharing your cous cous recipe! I can't wait to try it! Your photos are stunning too...what a great post!
Best wishes and happy weekend,
Natasha.
Manju
moi here is a big fan of couscous!!! this combo looks soo great!
Amelia
Hi Kankana, Thanks for visiting my blog.
Perfect picture and delicious looking dish. Yummy....
Manu
Wow! This looks good!!! I love couscous and I sometimes cook it from scratch... one of the most famous dishes from my mom's town in Sicily is fish couscous and we do steam it in a "double" pan, only our is made of terracotta. I love couscous, it tastes great doesn't it?? Great pictures as always!
Shawn
I love couscous and Italian sausage but never thought to put them together. Now, I will...you dish looks absolutely delicious!
You have such a lovely blog! Many thanks for kind comments on my blog 🙂
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy
I have never tried making couscous at home..only eat it at buffets 🙂 The peppers look so pretty..love the picture on black background.This is a perfect meal for summer evenings- light & hearty!
Nazneen
My husband I love couscous, especially Moroccan style with fruit and nuts and some preserved lemon. Unfortunately, for some reason my children are not big fans so I rarely make it.
Love your recipe and pictures.
sonia
Hi kankana, This is looking absolutely delightful. A very well made post with beautiful pictures as always. Loved the new combo of ingredients and the recipe is so nicely made and presented. Its always fun to see ur appetizing recipes. Saving this recipe of urs and wud love to give ur version a try on the coming weekend. Have a wonderful week ahead….Thanks & Regards, Sonia !!!
Rosa
A marvelous combo! That summery dish is perfect. Yummy.
Cheers,
Rosa
Treat and Trick
Never tried couscous but yours tempting me to try them....
Aldy
I love couscous!It cooks so fast, and it is so versatile. Loving this combination with the Italian sausage. Beautiful recipe and cute shots, Kankana 🙂
Hugs,
Aldy.
Sandra's Easy Cooking
You always amaze me..this looks and sounds like a meal that I would enjoy very much! Just perfection all the way!! I love it!!!
Liz
What a gorgeous meal! The peppers and sausage pair perfectly with your couscous....mmmmmm
Tiffany
I'd love to make this with veggie sausage! 😀
Malli
Incredibly good sausage and peppers dish.... love your recipe:)
gopika
never tried couscous.. it looks inviting 🙂 I think i should 🙂
nisha
cous cous is totally a fav of ours as well..and sausages..now who can say no to that 🙂
Joanne
Mmm I love couscous and sausage and peppers is really a classic combo! Great meal!