Steaming Couscous Perfection With Your Rice Cooker

Couscous is a versatile dish that can be used as a base for stews, in cold salads, or even as a breakfast cereal. It is not a grain, but a form of pasta made from semolina flour. Couscous can be cooked on a stovetop, but using a rice cooker is a great, hands-off way to prepare this simple side dish. It is super easy to prepare and will be ready in less than 10 minutes.

Couscous-to-liquid ratio: 1:1.5 on the stove, 1:1 in a rice cooker

Couscous is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grain bowls to salads and stews. It is not a grain but a pasta made from semolina flour. Couscous is available in different sizes, from small Moroccan couscous to larger Israeli or Lebanese couscous.

When cooking couscous on the stove, the couscous-to-liquid ratio is 1:1.5. This means that for every cup of couscous, you will need one and a half cups of liquid. The liquid can be water or broth. However, when using a rice cooker, the ratio is closer to 1:1. So, for every cup of couscous, you will need one cup of liquid.

The difference in ratios between stove-top cooking and rice cooker cooking is due to the way the couscous is prepared in each method. On the stove, the couscous is typically boiled in a saucepan with the liquid. In a rice cooker, the couscous is steamed rather than boiled, which requires less liquid.

It is important to note that the exact ratio may vary slightly depending on your preference for the texture of the couscous. Using less liquid will result in drier couscous, which is suitable for salads or serving with sauces. Using more liquid will result in softer and slightly stickier couscous. Additionally, different brands of couscous may have specific recommendations, so it is always a good idea to check the package instructions.

When cooking couscous in a rice cooker, you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour. For example, you can add a pinch of salt and a few tablespoons of olive oil or butter. You can also experiment with different types of broth, such as chicken or vegetable, to infuse the couscous with flavour.

Fluff with a spoon or fork after cooking

Once your rice cooker has finished cooking the couscous, it's time to fluff it with a spoon or fork. This step is crucial to achieving the perfect, fluffy couscous texture. Here's what you need to know:

After the rice cooker beeps to signal that it has finished cooking, resist the temptation to dig in immediately. Instead, let the couscous rest for a few minutes. This allows the couscous to cool slightly and makes it easier to handle. It also ensures that the couscous grains are given time to absorb any remaining liquid, which helps prevent a mushy texture.

When the couscous has rested for about five minutes, it's time to fluff it. Uncover the rice cooker and use a spoon or fork to gently fluff the couscous. Start from the edges of the pot and work your way towards the centre, gently lifting and turning the couscous to separate the grains. Be careful not to mash or crush the couscous; a light touch is essential. Continue fluffing until the couscous is light and airy, and all the grains are separated.

If you're serving the couscous directly from the rice cooker, make sure to fluff it just before serving. This ensures that it maintains its fluffy texture. If you're transferring the couscous to a serving bowl, use a spoon or fork to gently transfer it, being careful not to compress it.

By following these simple steps, you'll end up with perfectly fluffy couscous that's ready to be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into your favourite recipes.

Add-ins: nuts, onions, broth, herbs, spices, dried fruit

Couscous is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to enhance its flavour. Here are some add-ins you can use to elevate your couscous when making it in a rice cooker:

Nuts

Slivered or chopped almonds can be added to couscous to provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour. To prepare the almonds, you can sauté or brown them in olive oil, either in a skillet or directly in the bowl of the rice cooker, before adding the other ingredients.

Onions

Chopped or diced onions can be added to couscous for a savoury touch. To prepare the onions, you can sauté or brown them in olive oil, again, either in a skillet or in the rice cooker itself. This step will give the onions a slightly sweeter taste.

Broth

Using broth or stock instead of water to cook the couscous will infuse it with flavour. Chicken, vegetable, or bone broth are all good options to explore. You can also add a few tablespoons of butter or olive oil to enhance the flavour further.

Herbs

Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, cilantro, mint, and dill can be mixed into the cooked couscous to add a burst of flavour and colour. You can also add green onions or garlic cloves, either raw or sautéed in olive oil.

Spices

Spices like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon can be added to couscous to give it a kick. You can also experiment with other spices to find your preferred combination.

Dried Fruit

Chopped dried fruit, such as raisins, prunes, or apricots, can be mixed into the couscous for a touch of sweetness. This can be particularly delicious when paired with nuts and spices.

Cook time: 4-5 minutes, then 5 minutes on 'keep warm'

Step 1: Preparation

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. Couscous is usually cooked and served with a broth, so you will need to decide whether to use water or a stock such as chicken or vegetable broth. You will also need olive oil or butter, and salt to taste. For a cup of couscous, you will need a cup of liquid.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place your couscous, liquid, and seasonings in the rice cooker. Give the mixture a quick stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook

Close the lid of the rice cooker and turn it on to the normal or white rice setting. The couscous will take 4-5 minutes to cook.

Step 4: Keep Warm

When the rice cooker beeps, it will automatically switch to the 'keep warm' setting. Allow the couscous to sit for another 5 minutes to steam through.

Step 5: Serve

After 5 minutes, open the rice cooker and fluff the couscous with a spoon or fork. Adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• If you are using Israeli couscous, you may want to melt the butter or oil and toast the pearls for a few minutes before adding water and cooking.
• You can also make pilaf-style couscous by first sautéing diced onions and slivered almonds in olive oil, either in a skillet or in the bowl of the rice cooker.
• Couscous is very versatile and works with a variety of flavours. Try adding parsley, cilantro, mint, lemon, garlic, tomatoes, nuts, spices, or dried fruit.

Rice cooker settings: normal or white rice

When cooking couscous in a rice cooker, you can use either the normal or white rice setting. Couscous is not a grain but a form of pasta, and it cooks in a similar amount of time as white rice.

Rice cookers are extremely versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including quinoa, mac and cheese, and even stews. They are also perfect for when you don't have access to a stovetop.

The process of cooking couscous in a rice cooker is simple. First, add a 1:1 ratio of couscous to water or low-sodium chicken broth/stock/bone broth in the rice cooker. You can also add a pinch of kosher salt and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or butter for flavour. Close the lid and select either the normal or white rice setting. The couscous should be ready in about 5 minutes.

Once the rice cooker switches to the "keep warm" setting, allow the couscous to sit for another 5 minutes to steam through. Then, open the rice cooker and fluff the couscous with a spoon or fork. You can serve the couscous immediately, or let it sit on the "keep warm" setting for up to an hour.

Frequently asked questions