Check out our guide to couscous, including where to buy it and plenty of recipe inspiration, then read about tempeh, falafel and halloumi.

What is couscous?

Couscous originates from North Africa and is made of small, steamed granules of rolled semolina. It’s commonly served with vegetables – such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips – with a mild or spicy stew spooned on top. You’ll also find it paired with meat including chicken, lamb or mutton. Couscous is considered a staple food in countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya. It was later integrated into European cuisine via the French colonial empire in the twentieth century.

Where to buy couscous

Bia couscous, £3.99/1kg, olive shop

Essential couscous, £2.15/1kg, Waitrose

Couscous recipes

Check out plenty more couscous recipe inspiration.

Cauliflower couscous salad

Check out our vibrant cauliflower and couscous salad recipe with crispy onions and a punchy zhoug dressing. This easy dish is vegan and low in calories, too.

Cauliflower Couscous Salad Recipe with Zhoug

Harissa chicken and couscous salad

Punchy harissa and a vibrant couscous salad in a zesty preserve lemon dressing livens up this easy chicken dish – ideal for an everyday dinner for two.

Harissa Chicken Recipe with Couscous Salad

Chicken, giant couscous and harissa broth

Giant couscous adds a springy texture to this wholesome broth, with chicken, spring greens and a kick of harissa.

Chicken Broth Recipe with Couscous and Harissa

Couscous salad

This fresh Middle Eastern-inspired salad features zingy ras el hanout, sumac and mint on a bed of couscous – it’s a filling and flavoursome lunch or veggie side dish.

A platter topped with a couscous salad, with green leaves and white cubes of feta cheese on top

Lamb steaks with giant couscous

This simple lamb steaks recipe with giant couscous is bursting with fresh, zesty flavours, making the perfect evening meal for two.

Lamb Steaks with Giant Cous Cous
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