22 Recipes That Will Make You Want to Eat More Couscous

Couscous is one of those pantry staples you’ll always be glad to have on hand. Though it may look like a grain, it’s actually a tiny pasta made from durum wheat, which means it’s hearty, satisfying and ready in a flash. Its mild flavor makes it an easy base for everything from breakfast bowls to salads to quick weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables or your favorite Mediterranean recipes for a simple side dish that goes with nearly anything.

Most couscous sold at the supermarket has already been steamed and dried, so all it needs is a quick soak in hot water before it’s ready to serve. Whole-wheat couscous cooks just as quickly and offers the same benefits as whole-wheat pasta.

This basic recipe makes a generous batch that’s perfect for meal prep, but it can easily be halved when you need just enough for tonight’s dinner.

Ina adds great flavor and texture to her couscous by boiling it in buttery chicken stock with sautéed shallots before topping it with sweet currants and crunchy, buttery pignoli nuts. Makes a wonderful everyday side.

Stuff couscous and beef into sweet bell peppers for a nutritious protein-packed meal. The bold colors of the antioxidant-packed bell peppers aren't just for decoration-the more bright colors you can pile onto your plate, the healthier your meal will be.

Al dente pearl couscous (which is made from the same ingredients as pasta) is right at home with a quick-and-simple tomato sauce. Top with fresh parsley for a crowd-pleasing side in just 20 minutes.

Looking for a way to switch up your classic chicken and rice? Try pairing your poultry with couscous instead. Anne makes hers with plenty of aromatic ingredients (like garlic, onion, saffron, thyme and citrus) for a dish that will have everyone running to the table.

For a couscous that walks the line between sweet and savory, add cinnamon, carrots and currants to bring warmth and sweetness. Then finish this light and delicious side dish simply— with a bright pop of cilantro and mint.

Ina’s easy couscous gets its lovely golden color (and delicious sweet-and-savory flavor) from the addition of saffron. Tender, browned zucchini and fresh herbs are the perfect way to round out the flavors and add a nice pop of color.

Cook couscous in a tomato broth with white wine and clam juice, so it soaks up plenty of briny flavor. Then pile garlicky, lemony shrimp on top and dinner is officially handled. This 5-star recipe has rave reviews from Food Network fans who say that it’s “ a keeper” that will please even the pickiest of eaters.

A simple way to add tons of flavor to plain couscous? Stir in grilled leeks and mushrooms — and top everything off with nutty, toasted almonds.

This simple, 20-minute side has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors thanks to cauliflower, cinnamon and dates. It makes a great warm side for braised meats.

Couscous is a fantastic way to bulk up any green salad. Here, we’re combining it with curried, roasted vegetables and an easy-to-make yogurt-lime dressing for a meal you'll eat again and again.

Quick-cooking couscous makes fast work of this easy side, which is ready in just 20 minutes. Cremini mushrooms are browned in butter with garlic and thyme, giving every forkful rich, savory flavor.

While oats are often the first choice for a healthy breakfast, utilizing other whole grains like couscous, millet, amaranth, farro and quinoa keep mornings from becoming mundane. Make a batch of couscous the night before, so that come morning, all you have to do is add toppings like fruits, nuts, coconut and flax seed for a 5-minute healthy breakfast.

Pearl couscous has larger, bubble-like pieces that develop a satisfyingly chewy texture as they cook. Daphne Brogdon toasts them with onion and dried apricots before adding beef broth, creating a savory side with little pops of sweetness.

When the weather gets chilly, there’s nothing more satisfying than this hearty dish, made with chewy Israeli couscous and savory-sweet butternut squash. Dates play up the sweetness, while thyme, parsley and chopped pistachios add savory flavor and crunch.

This couscous gets its bold aroma and flavor from a homemade blend of toasted spices, but don’t let the long ingredient list intimidate you. The pasta is toasted in spiced butter, steamed in chicken broth and finished with lemon juice for a bright, fragrant side.

Couscous cooks up in almost no time at all, making it the perfect base for quick meals. Here, we pair it with equally as speedy shrimp and mussels for a flavorful bowl of seafood stew.

A quick homemade buttermilk substitute gives a great tangy flavor to this salad with fresh broccoli. Couscous toasted until crisp and golden brings crunch to every bite.

A sweet take on a typically savory dish. Instead of broth, cook your couscous in a combo of skim and almond milk — and add dried cherries and a cinnamon stick for extra flavor. Don’t forget to fluff it up!

This 15-minute dish makes a fantastic side or vegetarian main. Chopped pistachios add buttery flavor and a nice crunch — and are the perfect source of plant-based protein.

Weeknight dinners are easy when you start with couscous and store-bought rotisserie chicken. Cinnamon, ginger, carrots and golden raisins give the bowl its warm flavor, while almonds, cilantro and your choice of yogurt or harissa finish it off.