Instant Pot Couscous

Instant Pot Couscous — Introducing the perfect side dish for your busy weeknight dinners or weekend feasts: Instant Pot Couscous! 🍚✨

Couscous is known for its quick cooking time, but with the help of your trusty Instant Pot, it becomes even more effortless to prepare. Say goodbye to stovetop watching and hello to perfectly fluffy couscous every time.

In this culinary journey, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this versatile grain to complement any main course. Whether you’re pairing it with savory stews, grilled veggies, or your favorite protein, our Instant Pot Couscous recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with the ease and convenience of your Instant Pot! Stay tuned for the step-by-step guide to fluffy perfection. 🍽️👩‍🍳

What Is Couscous

Couscous is a tiny, granular pasta staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is made from crushed and steamed wheat, typically wheat semolina or durum wheat. Couscous has a light, fluffy texture when cooked and is often used as a base for various dishes.

Couscous comes in different sizes, with the most common varieties being instant and traditional. Instant couscous is pre-cooked and dried and requires minimal cooking time by adding hot water or broth. On the other hand, traditional couscous is larger and requires steaming or simmering to cook thoroughly.

This versatile ingredient can be used in various savory and sweet dishes. It’s often used as a side dish, mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices, or as a base for stews, tagines, and salads. Couscous is prized for its quick cooking time, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

Its mild flavor and ability to absorb the flavors of the ingredients it’s paired with make couscous a popular choice in many cuisines worldwide. Whether served as a side dish or as part of a main course, couscous adds a pleasant texture and is versatile to various recipes.

Different Types of Couscous

Couscous comes in several varieties, each with unique characteristics and culinary uses. Here are some common types of couscous.

• Regular Couscous: The most common type of couscous is often called “couscous.” It is made from crushed and steamed wheat, typically wheat semolina or durum wheat. Regular couscous has a quick cooking time and a light, fluffy texture when prepared. It serves as a versatile base for various dishes.
• Whole Wheat Couscous: Whole wheat couscous is made from whole wheat grains instead of refined wheat. It is a slightly healthier option, retaining more of the wheat’s natural bran and nutrients. Whole wheat couscous has a nuttier flavor and a slightly firmer texture than regular couscous.
• Israeli Couscous (Pearl Couscous) consists of more extensive, round pearls of toasted semolina. Unlike regular couscous, it has a chewy texture and can be used in hot and cold dishes. It’s often used in salads, pilafs, or as a side dish. It’s the size of a pearl, perfect for Israeli couscous salad.
• Lebanese Couscous or Moroccan Couscous: Also known as Moghrabieh, Lebanese couscous is larger and rounder than regular couscous but smaller than Israeli couscous. It has a chewy texture and is typically used in traditional Middle Eastern dishes like stews and salads.
• Maftoul Couscous: Maftoul is a Palestinian variety of couscous that is hand-rolled and sun-dried. It is larger than regular couscous and has a unique texture. Maftoul couscous is often used in Palestinian and Middle Eastern dishes.
• Black-Eyed Pea Couscous: In some regions, couscous is made by mixing wheat semolina with black-eyed peas. This type of couscous has a distinct flavor and a slightly different texture than traditional couscous.
• Spiced Couscous: Some couscous varieties are pre-seasoned with cumin, paprika, or saffron. These flavored couscous options add depth and complexity to your dishes with minimal effort.
• Gluten-Free Couscous: For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, gluten-free couscous alternatives are made from grains like corn, rice, or quinoa. These options provide a suitable substitute for traditional wheat-based couscous.
• Instant Couscous: Instant couscous is pre-cooked and dried, so it cooks faster than regular couscous. It’s a convenient choice for quick meals, as it only requires soaking in hot water or broth for a few minutes.

These various types of couscous offer culinary diversity and can be used in various recipes, from salads and side dishes to main courses and desserts. Choosing the right type of couscous depends on the texture and flavor you want to achieve in your dishes.

Why You Will Love Cooking Couscous In Instant Pot

Cooking couscous in an Instant Pot offers several advantages, making it a convenient and efficient method for preparing this versatile grain. Here’s why you will love cooking couscous in an Instant Pot:

• Speed and Convenience: Instant Pots are known for their quick cooking times, and couscous is no exception. With an Instant Pot, you can have perfectly cooked couscous in a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop. This is especially helpful when you’re short on time or looking to streamline your meal preparation.
• Consistent Results: Instant Pots are designed to provide consistent and even cooking. When you use your Instant Pot to make couscous, you can expect uniformly fluffy and well-cooked grains every time. There’s no need to worry about overcooking or uneven cooking.
• Hands-Free Cooking: Unlike stovetop methods that require constant monitoring and stirring, cooking couscous in an Instant Pot is mainly hands-free. You can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or multitask in the kitchen.
• Easy Measurement: Instant Pots often come with convenient measurement markings on the inner pot, making it easy to measure the right amount of water or broth for your couscous. This helps ensure the perfect water-to-couscous ratio for consistent results.
• One-Pot Cooking: Many Instant Pot couscous recipes are one-pot wonders, allowing you to cook your couscous along with other ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and spices all in the same pot. This not only simplifies your cooking process but also enhances the flavor of your dish as the couscous absorbs the aromas and flavors of the other ingredients.
• Keep Warm Function: Most Instant Pots have a “Keep Warm” function that automatically kicks in once your couscous is done cooking. This feature is handy when preparing couscous in advance and keeping it warm until the rest of your meal is ready to serve.
• Adaptability: Instant Pot couscous is incredibly adaptable. You can customize your couscous with a wide range of flavorings, seasonings, and mix-ins, making it a versatile side dish or base for various recipes. The Instant Pot can accommodate your preferences, whether you prefer it plain, herbed, or loaded with vegetables.

In summary, the Instant Pot simplifies and expedites the cooking process, delivering consistent and delicious couscous with minimal effort. Its versatility and convenience make it an excellent kitchen tool for couscous enthusiasts and busy cooks alike.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Couscous

Get ready to create a delicious and hassle-free couscous dish with just a handful of simple ingredients in your pressure cooker, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal in no time.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Couscous: Couscous is the star ingredient, a quick-cooking pasta made from crushed and steamed wheat. It provides a light and fluffy base for your dish.
• Water or Broth: You’ll need water or broth to cook the couscous and add moisture and flavor. Vegetable broth or chicken broth can enhance the taste, while water is a neutral option.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the couscous and the overall dish.
• Olive Oil or Butter (Optional): Adding a small amount of olive oil or butter can give your couscous a richer flavor and prevent sticking. It’s an optional but tasty addition.
• Herbs and Spices (Optional): Herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint, as well as spices like cumin or paprika, can be used to season and customize your couscous to your liking. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetables (Optional): To make a complete meal, consider adding vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the couscous. They add color, texture, and nutritional value.
• Dried Fruits or Nuts (Optional): To add sweetness and crunch, consider incorporating dried fruits like raisins or cranberries and nuts like almonds or pine nuts. These ingredients can make your couscous more exciting and flavorful.
• Lemon Zest or Juice (Optional): A bit of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a zesty and refreshing element to your couscous, brightening the dish.

Remember, couscous is incredibly versatile, so feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create a couscous dish that suits your taste and complements your main course.

Cooking Instant Pot Couscous 

Making couscous in an Instant Pot is a quick and foolproof process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Rinse the Couscous (Optional): Begin by rinsing the couscous under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer. Rinsing helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping. Drain well.

Sauté (Optional): Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add olive oil or butter. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the couscous and sauté for a couple of minutes until it becomes slightly toasted. This step enhances the flavor of the couscous, but you can skip it if you prefer a plainer taste.

Add Liquid: Pour in the water or broth, and add a pinch of salt for seasoning. Stir briefly to combine the ingredients.

Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Cancel the “Sauté” mode, and then select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Set cook time to 1 minute for regular couscous or 2 minutes for whole wheat couscous. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer begins counting down.

Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes. This means letting the Instant Pot sit without manually releasing the pressure. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of hot steam.

Fluff the Couscous: Open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the couscous using a fork to separate the grains. This step ensures that the couscous is light and fluffy.

Serve: Your Instant Pot couscous is now ready to serve! It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses, vegetables, or sauces.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot couscous, made effortlessly in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop!

Recipe Variations

Couscous is a versatile grain easily customized to suit your taste and complement different dishes. Here are some recipe variations for couscous made in the Instant Pot:

• Lemon Herb Couscous: Add zest and juice to the cooking liquid for a zesty flavor. After cooking, stir in fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro for freshness.
• Mediterranean Couscous: Sauté diced onions and garlic in olive oil before adding couscous. Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese after fluffing for a Mediterranean twist.
• Curried Couscous: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers with curry powder for a few minutes before adding couscous. Incorporate raisins or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
• Pesto Couscous: Stir in pesto sauce and black pepper after fluffing the cooked couscous for a vibrant and aromatic dish. Add pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy Couscous: Sauté finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes with the couscous for a spicy kick. Incorporate roasted red bell peppers and corn for added depth and color.
• Couscous Salad: After cooking, let the couscous cool completely, then toss it with diced fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Pineapple Coconut Couscous: Cook the couscous with coconut milk instead of water or broth for a tropical twist. After fluffing, stir in diced pineapple, red onion, toasted coconut flakes, fresh parsley, and chopped cilantro.
• Vegetable Couscous: Sauté an assortment of diced vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, etc.) before adding couscous. Include vegetable broth for extra flavor and cook with the couscous.
• Greek Couscous: Sauté red onions, ground beef,  and garlic in olive oil before adding the couscous. After fluffing, mix in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a Greek dressing.
• Protein-Packed Couscous: Cook couscous with chicken or vegetable stock.  Stir in cooked chickpeas, diced cooked chicken, or tofu for a hearty and protein-rich dish. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs.

Feel free to get creative and combine different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique couscous variations in the Instant Pot. It’s a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity!

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Instant Pot couscous turns out perfectly:

• Rinse the Couscous: While rinsing couscous is optional, it can help remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Rinse it under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer, drain well, and then proceed with cooking.
• Sauté for Flavor: Sautéing the couscous in olive oil or butter before adding liquid can enhance its flavor. It adds a subtle nuttiness to the grains. Be sure not to brown the couscous; you’re looking for a light toasting.
• Use the Right Liquid Ratio: A 1:1 ratio of couscous to liquid typically works well. For every cup of couscous, use one cup of water or broth. Adjust the quantity as needed for your recipe, but maintaining the 1:1 ratio is crucial for proper hydration.
• Season the Liquid: Season the cooking liquid with salt to taste. This step is essential as it flavors the couscous from within. Add other seasonings, like spices or herbs, to the liquid for additional flavor.
• Natural Release Before Quick Release: After the cooking cycle, allow for a natural release of about 5 minutes. This step helps prevent the couscous from becoming too sticky. Afterward, you can perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
• Fluff with a Fork: Once the Instant Pot is safe to open, use a fork to fluff the couscous. This separates the grains and prevents clumping. Be gentle while fluffing to maintain the light and fluffy texture.
• Customize and Add Mix-Ins: Couscous is highly customizable. You can add ingredients like herbs, spices, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, or cheeses to create different flavors and textures. Mix them in after cooking and fluffing the couscous.
• Keep Warm Function: If you’re not serving the couscous immediately, you can use the Instant Pot’s “Keep Warm” function to maintain its temperature until you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Adjust Cooking Time for Whole Wheat Couscous: Whole wheat couscous requires a slightly longer cooking time than regular couscous. Increase the pressure cooking time to 2 minutes for whole wheat couscous.
• Experiment and Enjoy: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor profiles and ingredients to create unique couscous dishes. It’s a versatile grain that pairs well with various ingredients and cuisines.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be able to consistently prepare delicious and fluffy Instant Pot couscous that complements a variety of dishes.

Faq’s

How long does it take to cook couscous in an Instant Pot?  The actual cooking time for couscous in an Instant Pot is very short. It typically takes 1 minute on high pressure for regular couscous and 2 minutes for whole wheat couscous. However, you’ll need to account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to and release pressure, which adds a few extra minutes to the overall process.

Do I need to rinse couscous before cooking it in the Instant Pot? Rinsing couscous is optional but recommended. Rinsing helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping, resulting in fluffier couscous. Simply rinse it under cold running water in a fine-mesh strainer, drain well, and then proceed with cooking.

Can I use broth instead of water for cooking couscous in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can use broth to cook couscous in the Instant Pot. Using broth adds flavor to the couscous. Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth are popular choices. Just remember to maintain the 1:1 ratio of couscous to liquid.

How do I prevent my couscous from becoming mushy or sticky in the Instant Pot? 

To prevent mushy or sticky couscous, ensure you follow these tips:

• Use the correct 1:1 ratio of couscous to liquid.
• Avoid overcooking. Follow the recommended pressure cooking times for regular or whole wheat couscous.
• Allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure. This helps maintain the couscous’s texture.

Can I customize couscous with mix-ins like vegetables, herbs, and spices?A5: Absolutely! Couscous is highly customizable. To create different flavors and textures, you can add various ingredients such as sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, spices, dried fruits, nuts, or cheeses. Mix them in after cooking and fluffing the couscous.

Can I make couscous in advance and reheat it later? Yes, couscous can be made in advance and reheated. Let the cooked couscous cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply add a bit of water or broth, microwave it, or heat it on the stovetop, fluffing it with a fork.

Can I double the couscous recipe in my Instant Pot? Yes, you can double or scale the couscous recipe as needed, but ensure you maintain the 1:1 ratio of couscous to liquid. Be mindful not to overfill your Instant Pot beyond its recommended capacity.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

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Equipment Used:

• Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs

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