This instant pot couscous is the easiest way to cook delicious peal couscous. Ready in less than 15 minutes, add this pearl couscous to any recipe (like salads, pasta sauce, and more) for satisfying depth and texture!
Who knew this basic recipe could yield such a versatile food. Couscous can be used for a main dish such as salads, soups, pastas, and more. It also pairs well as a perfect side dish to pretty much any dinner. This couscous recipe is only for the grain itself – not for the toppings. If you want to make traditional Moroccan couscous please check out this recipe for chicken couscous or lamb and vegetable couscous.
Couscous cooks pretty fast regardless of the kitchen tool, but using an electric pressure cooker is always a good idea if you’re in a rush or using multiple pots and pans at once.
With this instant pot pearl couscous recipe, you’ll have ready-to-eat couscous within just 15 minutes!
What Is Couscous?
Couscous is technically rolled semolina flour, meaning it is a type of pasta. A lot of people mistake couscous for a grain because it looks similar to rice or quinoa.
Couscous is very simple to make, as this recipe shows, and is super versatile in taste and texture. It takes on the taste of what it is cooked with and its texture depends on the cooking method and type of couscous.
Here’s a fun fact for you… Pearl couscous was developed in Israel during the last century due to a rice shortage. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion requested an alternative to be made of wheat, earning Pearl Couscous the nickname, “Ben-Gurion’s rice”.
Common Types of Couscous
There are a couple different variations of couscous. Obviously, pearl (or Israeli) couscous is my preferred type. Here are some others to try out.
- Moroccan Couscous – This type of couscous is the smallest. It resembles and reminds me of quinoa. When compared to couscous, quinoa has a nutty flavor, while moroccan couscous tastes more like the ingredients it is cooked with.
- Lebanese Couscous – This type of couscous is the largest variety, almost the size and shape of chickpeas (appearing as tiny balls). It takes the longest to cook and sometimes goes by the name Moghrabieh couscous.
Is Couscous a Healthy Choice?
I believe couscous plays a great role in a healthful diet. Of course, pasta is not as healthful as say spinach or carrots, but it can be a healthful choice in moderation.
Just one cup of couscous provide half your daily recommended intake of selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, helping to fight systemic inflammation and bad LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Since heart disease is still a top killer in the US, I’d take that information seriously.
Couscous also has some fiber, especially if you opt for whole-wheat couscous. Fiber improves gut health and motility as well as helping you feel full and satisfied after meals.
When paired with fruit or veggies, herbs, broth, and spices, this instant pot couscous recipe can make a very healthful side, snack, or meal!
Why You Need to Try Instant Pot Couscous
If you haven’t tried instant pot couscous yet, you’re missing out on a truly versatile and delicious dish that’s super easy to make.
Instant pot couscous recipe takes only 15 minutes, including the time it takes for the Instant Pot to heat up, making it perfect for quick meals. Instant Pot couscous pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals and can even be served with dates and honey as a delightful Lebanese dessert. The great taste and texture—similar to boba—make it a favorite for many. Additionally, it’s a good source of fiber, helping you stay fuller for longer, and it has a lower Glycemic Index compared to other pastas, making it a healthier option.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the instant pot couscous recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
First, pearl couscous is essential; it’s my preferred choice due to its taste and texture, reminiscent of boba, which I adore. Other types of couscous might require different cooking times and temperatures, so pearl couscous is recommended for the best results.
Next, vegetable broth will be used to cook the couscous, enhancing its flavor. If you don’t need the recipe to be vegan, chicken or beef broth are great alternatives. While water can be used as well, it might not impart as much flavor to the couscous.
Finally, salt is added to taste. I prefer to add salt at the end of cooking to better control the flavor, but if you’re seasoning in an instant pot, I recommend just 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
What to Serve Couscous With
Couscous is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways. On its own, simply seasoned with salt and pepper, it makes a delightful side.
It can also be served as a pasta substitute with some homemade sauce, adding a unique twist to traditional pasta dishes.
For a heartier meal, mix couscous with meat or serve it alongside your favorite protein. It pairs wonderfully when tossed with a Mediterranean or Greek salad, bringing a fresh and vibrant flavor to your meal.
Additionally, couscous complements curry dishes perfectly, absorbing the rich, aromatic spices. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious instant pot couscous dish.
How to Store Couscous
Storing leftover couscous is easy and helps you enjoy it later without waste. Once cooked, you can keep couscous in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To defrost, place it in the fridge for 1-2 days before enjoying.
Alternatively, you can defrost it in a microwave-safe dish using the microwave, though this might slightly affect the texture. Another option is to warm it in a pan on the stovetop on low heat for a couple of minutes to restore its original consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Couscous at Home
Ingredients
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 1 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Place the couscous, vegetable broth, and optional salt into the instant pot.
- Seal the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Once the instant pot is done cooking, press the quick release valve and wait for the steam to stop.
- Fluff with a fork, serve and enjoy!
- Add any seasonings or herbs you would like! Some people like to add butter for richness. If you want to double the recipe, use 2 cups couscous to 2.5 cups broth. Keep the high pressure cooking at 6 minutes still.
Notes
Can I Add Vegetables To The Instant Pot Couscous?
Yes, veggies are a perfect addition to this instant couscous recipe! Simple saute the veggies in the instant pot beforehand by using the sauté function, then add your couscous and broth. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes just like you would for this recipe.
You can also use any kinds of herbs or seasonings. I like to add fresh parsley or cilantro. Simply throw them in with the couscous and broth before setting to high pressure.
What If I Received A Burn Notice On My Pressure Cooker?
If you see a burn message on your instant pot, have no fear. I’ve found the burn notice usually means there is food stuck to the pot and is cooking differently than the food in the liquid. To prevent this, I advise you to add the broth or water before the starch and stir the bottom so the couscous isn’t stuck to the pan.
If there is a different reason for your burn notice, read through this article for troubleshooting. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/instant-pot-burn/
What If I Forgot To Manually Release The Steam?
If you forgot to release the steam manually, the instant pot will automatically use a natural release after the cooking time has finished. This is ok, but I find the couscous continues cooking too much during this time and doesn’t create the best texture in the end.
A little tip is to set a timer on your phone to release the steam when the couscous has finished cooking. There is a timer built into most instant pots that will alert you when it’s done, but sometimes we’re not in ear shot.
Should You Consume Couscous At Room Temperature?
Room temperature is how I serve my couscous but you can serve it cold or hot depending on the dish you’re serving it with.
Pearl couscous is technically a pasta because it’s made of wheat flour, but it doesn’t look like any regular pasta we’re used to. Pearl pasta is almost like boba. It has a satisfyingly chewy texture and doesn’t have a distinct taste but in fact tastes more like what it’s paired with.
So don’t take couscous for granted. It may appear to be a simple dish, but looks can be deceiving! Explore all the Moroccan couscous recipes you need to truly appreciate its versatility and flavor.
