National Couscous Day, celebrated on August 10, is a culinary event dedicated to highlighting couscous, a versatile and popular staple in North African cuisine. Couscous, made from steamed crushed wheat or barley granules, is a traditional dish enjoyed across the Mediterranean region and beyond. This day provides an opportunity for food enthusiasts to appreciate couscous’s diverse applications, from simple side dishes to elaborate main courses. It’s also a chance to explore various recipes and discover the different ways couscous can be prepared and enjoyed. As you celebrate National Couscous Day 2024, we bring you delicious couscous recipes for a quick, easy meal.

Celebrations of National Couscous Day often involve cooking and sharing dishes that feature couscous as the main ingredient. This can include classic recipes like couscous with vegetables and chickpeas, or more elaborate preparations such as couscous with lamb or seafood. Many restaurants and home cooks take this opportunity to showcase their favourite couscous recipes, experiment with new flavors, and highlight the dish’s adaptability to various cuisines. Whether served warm or cold, couscous can be a flavourful and nutritious addition to any meal, making National Couscous Day a delightful celebration of this global food staple.

1. Traditional Moroccan Couscous: Often considered the quintessential couscous dish, traditional Moroccan couscous is typically served with a stew made from lamb, chicken, or beef, along with a variety of vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and chickpeas. The stew is richly spiced with ingredients like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, creating a hearty and aromatic meal. Moroccan couscous is usually steamed several times to achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Watch Recipe Video of Traditional Moroccan Couscous:

2. Couscous With Vegetables: A popular dish in North African and Mediterranean cuisine, couscous with vegetables features couscous served with a mix of sautéed or steamed vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and zucchini. This dish is often seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, and paprika. It can be served as a side dish or a main course, and is frequently enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans.

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3. Couscous Salad: Couscous salad is a fresh and versatile dish that has gained popularity in many international cuisines. It typically includes cooked couscous mixed with raw or roasted vegetables, herbs like parsley and mint, and a tangy dressing made from lemon juice and olive oil. Additional ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, or nuts can be added for extra flavour and texture. This salad is often served chilled and is perfect for picnics or light lunches.

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4. Tunisian Couscous: Tunisian couscous is known for its spicy and robust flavour. It is often served with a spicy meat stew called "lamb or chicken tajine" that includes ingredients like harissa (a hot chili paste), tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The couscous is steamed and served alongside the stew, absorbing its flavourful juices and spices. Tunisian couscous is a hearty dish that reflects the bold flavours of Tunisian cuisine.

Watch Recipe Video of Tunisian Couscous:

5. Israeli Couscous (Pearl Couscous): Unlike traditional couscous, Israeli or pearl couscous features larger, round grains that resemble pearls. This type of couscous is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It can be served as a base for salads, combined with roasted vegetables, or used as a side dish with grilled meats. Israeli couscous is known for its chewy texture and ability to absorb flavours, making it a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

Watch Recipe Video of Israeli Couscous:

These dishes highlight the diverse ways couscous can be prepared and enjoyed, reflecting its global popularity and versatility in different culinary traditions. Wishing everyone, a Happy National Couscous Day 2024!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2024 03:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).