Couscous is really a sort of glorified semolina, which we usually make as upma. However, if you are valiantly trying to escape Indian cooking even if only for a meal, this Moroccan dish is very acceptable to both Indian and non-Indian palates. I made this version recently when a friend and her little girl were up from Canberra - as a fellow cooking blogger, I thought she'd like a bit of experimentation - and I get tired of cooking only Indian food for guests..ok, I know they like it and demand it, but once in a while its good to let them know that Indian is not the only cooking that I do!  This is the best method, as it actually came out light and fluffy unlike my earlier attempts, and it doesn't seem to matter whether it's ordinary or instant couscous. I used to use the express method, as taught by Nigella, but sadly that didn't work, even though I love Nigella's recipes. This method is from " A little taste of Morocco" and in true fashion, its from the library. I may buy it, if I cook enough from it. Like I did with Nigella's Express and Feast. Oops, I lie, Feast was a gift from my darling son and daughter-in-law, who keep borrowing it and I have to liberate it from their clutches....but, on to couscous. This recipe serves 6-8, it says, in reality that depends on how hungry or greedy the diners are. This one was enough for 5 moderately hungry diners, one of whom was a 6 year old who scoffed a large bowlful! Excellent.. You need a large 3 litre microwaveable bowl, oh and a microwave oven. I usually don't cook in the microwave, but this one was an exception. Measure carefully!! You need: 2.5 cups, or 450 g of couscous, 2 tablespoons of diced or flaked butter, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ( if you like), and 625 ml water.
Do not substitute coriander for the parsley, or attempt to add any obvious Indian spices..well, I don't like it at least! Serve with any tagine ( stew). I served this with Chickpeas Tagine. What did it cost? About $2.50 for the 500g pack of couscous from the Indian shop..but I won't do that again, it was a bit stale, maybe indians don't buy couscous... $0.50 for the butter and bit of parsley... I would say that this dish came in at less than $3.00. |