How to Make Money-Saving Couscous

Want something easy to add to your next meal? Try money-saving couscous. The simple way to describe couscous is that it resembles tiny tiny pasta. It is generally found in the health food section of the grocery store, because it's among the healthiest grain-based products.

I thought of trying couscous, because I love adding a side dish to whatever main course I decide to cook for dinner. Potatoes are my favorite side dish, then some sort of noodles. I am always looking for something else I can serve along those same lines.
Couscous really is an easy side dish. Just follow the package directions. It comes out perfect every time.

How to Make Money-Saving and Delicious Couscous

It's easy to make. Buy couscous at the store just like you'd buy rice or any pasta. Add salt and oil to boiling water. That's the first thing I do with rice, too. Anyway, pour couscous evenly in the bottom of a large casserole dish so that it is in as thin a layer as possible. Add the boiling water and cover tightly. Use plastic wrap if your casserole dish doesn't have a lid.

Wait until all the water is absorbed (about 15 minutes), then fluff with a fork. Enjoy!

Made plain… I think couscous is a winner. But you can vary it to make it fun and interesting. First, decide whether to add it to a dish or serve it as the dish.

Add excitement to a platter of cooked vegetables with a mountain of couscous and listen to the oohs and aahs. It's a money-saving compliment to just about any mixture such as carrots, onions, celery, chick peas and snow peas. Just use your imagination.

I serve fluffy couscous all by itself, but sometimes I spice it up depending on the entree and what I have in the pantry. Here are a few ideas: Toast some pine nuts or walnuts before you add the couscous, and throw in a handful of currants or raisins and a cinnamon stick with the boiling water. It's a Wow'er!

For a delicious and simple cold couscous salad, make the the couscous as directed. Let it cool, then toss it with finely chopped green onions, olive oil, and sea salt. Add a bit of fresh mint. Other topping options: feta cheese, olives, and flat leaf parsley.

Couscous should be stored in the fridge so it doesn't spoil.

Nutrition Data Per Fluffy Couscous Serving: 128 calories, 22g carb, 2g fat, 197mg sodium, 1g fiber, 4g protein, low Cholesterol.

Generally, couscous has a glycemic load per gram 25% below that of pasta. It has a superior vitamin profile compared to pasta, containing twice as much riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate, and containing four times as much thiamine and pantothenic acid.

In terms of protein, couscous has 3.6g for every 100 calories -- equivalent to pasta -- and well above the 2.6g for every 100 calories of white rice. Couscous contains 1% fat-to-calorie ratio, compared to 3% for white rice, 5% for pasta, and 11.3% for rice pilaf. All-in-all, it tastes good, it's quick and easy to make, and it's good for you.

Thanks for following my blog. My honey and I cut expenses 50%, choose good food, follow better meal planning, focus on smart cooking, and sr to save money all to get ready to live happy in retirement. Eat healthy and save money, too.