Cooking Method for Whole Wheat Couscous

[SusanT]

Please share with me the correct water to couscous ratio for whole wheat couscous and the cooking method. I buy it in bulk so there's no package for directions.

I used the cooking method from the Joy of Cooking (the first time this book has let me down) which called for cooking it a low heat for 5 minutes then standing for 10. The couscous had a gluey texture.

[LGBurns]

I put the couscous in boiling water, turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. I do the same method for both regular and whole wheat. Unfortunately, I can't remember the water to couscous ratio.

[jazzyjas]

From the package of Trader Joe's Organic Whole Wheat Couscous

Stove Top: In a med sauce pan bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional) to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of couscous remove from heat and cover. Let sit 5 min then fluff with a fork.

Microwave: In a medium size microwave container combine 1 cup water, 1cup couscous and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional) and stir well. Microwave on high for 3 1/3 minutes. fluff with a fork.

Hope this helps

Jas

[SusanT]

I've used those methods but find that the water doesn't completely absorb. What am I doing wrong?

[Kelli Kerrigan]

I always use whole wheat couscous from trader Joe's. I didn't give it a thought that maybe the cooking instructions would be different from regular.
Well, for the curried couscous that I posted on, You pour boiling water into a bowl with the cranberries, curry, and couscous. Put a top on it and wait 5 minutes, then fluffing with a fork. Always comes out. I've microwaved it too.
Are you using a wet (liquid) measuring cup and a dry measuing cup?

[This message has been edited by Kelli Kerrigan (edited 06-26-2001).]

[clairea]

From my box of Fantastic brand whole wheat couscous:

Stovetop: Bring specified amount of water to a boil. Add couscous and stir. Boil again, lower heat, and cover. Simmer for required ttime or until all of the water has been absorbed. Stir to fluff. Remove from heat and allow to stand 5 minutes. Stir before serving.

Microwave: Combine hot water and coucous in a 1 or 2 quart casserole. Cover and coo, on High for required time. Stir. Let stand covered about 5 minutes unitl most of liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender.

Here are the proportions they give:

For 2 3/4 c servings -- 1/2 c dry couscous, 3/4 c water; cook 2 minutes (stovetop or microwave).

For 4 3/4 c servings -- 1 c dry couscous, 1 1/2 c water, cook 2 minutes (stovetop or microwave).

Hope this helps.

[SoCal]

I just made TJ's Whole Wheat Couscous tonight! I used the same method as LGBurns and jazzyjas suggested. I brought 1 cup of water to boil (added a pinch of Kosher Salt and skipped the butter). While still on the heat, I slowly poured 1 cup of couscous into the water while stirring. Took the pan off the heat, covered it, and let it sit for 5 minutes and then fluffed with a fork and there was no water residue. Perfect, inexpensive meal (actually my lunch/dinner for the rest of the week) with a little olive oil, fresh lemon juice, green onions, tomatoes, and feta cheese...YUM! I'll also add some left-over chicken for my lunch at work. OK, so that was more information than you needed to know http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif !!

[This message has been edited by SoCal (edited 06-26-2001).]