Couscous two ways.

Couscous is what we know as semolina or granules of durum wheat. They are high in protein and low on calories and make excellent substitute for rice or pasta. Instant couscous is available at Green Park Market and even INA in 500 gm boxes for just Rs.150 :)
Lately i have been consuming a lot of couscous and this has made me try out many different recipes. Today i will show you two of my favourite ways to enjoy this amazing product!!

• Dry fruits and couscous pudding. (inspired by Moroccan cuisine) for my Cousin Kunzang!!
• Bacon, mushroom and cheese couscous (inspired by Italian risotto) for my love for bacon !!

you will need:

• soft and sweet dates
• fresh walnuts
• plain unsalted almonds
• preserved cranberries 
• get creative and add pine nuts and cashew (expensive items i didn't buy because i wanted the cranberries so bad)
• one glass of double toned milk 
• small knob of butter.
• 4 tbsp honey.
• Rose water or coconut milk are optional(use either one depending on which one you prefer)

First dry roast your almonds for 3 - 4 minutes and put it aside. Then measure half a cup of water and let it boil. As it begins to boil add in half cup couscous (about 70 gms), butter and a handful of cranberries. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid and let the couscous fluff up and the berries plump up in the steam.

After letting it rest for 5-6 minutes put the heat on to medium low and  add in your almonds, walnut and dates, honey and  milk. I'm keeping my flavours basic but here are a few ideas;

•  If you like really sweet dessert then add 4 spoons of milkmaid or heavy cream at this stage.
• If you like coconut, add coconut milk here and remember half glass coconut milk means cutting down half the milk from before.
• If you a fan of middle eastern flavours, then by all means go ahead and add rose water and dried rose leaves.(available at INA) Pistachios and Pine nuts in this middle eastern twist will seal the deal!!

I like to eat my dessert chilled and with a dollop of Sugar free fruit preserve (something i want to learn to make myself)

Now for the savoury option.

you will need:

• 2 rashers of bacon
• 100 ml veg/chicken stock (use bouillon or powder or make your own at home by simmering veggies and poultry)
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• some button mushroom
• grated cheese (I am not fussy about this element but i already had a mixture of 3 different types of cheese in my fridge- cheddar, Gouda and  a tiny bit of gorgonzola... amul cheese for all i know will work too )

First dry roast half a cup couscous till it turns from yellow to light brown (check out the picture)
on low heat.

Pour in half a cup of water and add in the garlic and mushroom and strips of bacon.
Crank up the heat to medium and add in your stock after the water has been absorbed. If you want this really creamy you can add half a cup of heavy cream.
After boiling on medium heat for about 3 minutes add in your grated cheese and turn of the heat. Adjust salt according to taste and remember the bacon and cheese both had salt. The cheese melts and fuses with the couscous as you prepare to plate up and garnish.













Enjoy with a sprinkle of Parmesan!!

Remember to cook from your heart !!