Cooking Tunisian Couscous Recipes in a Kettle: A Step-By-Step Guide
If you don’t have access to a traditional couscous steamer, don’t worry! You can still make delicious Tunisian couscous recipes using just a simple kettle. Here are some easy steps to follow:
Step 1: Prepare the Couscous
Start by choosing a couscous recipe that you like. Some popular options include Tunisian vegetable couscous, lamb couscous, and merguez couscous. Once you’ve picked your recipe, heat up some water in a kettle until it starts boiling. Then, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl with a plate or tea towel and let the couscous steam for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Meat
While the couscous is steaming, you can prepare the vegetables and meat that you want to add to the dish. Some Tunisian couscous recipes call for a variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, turnips, and tomatoes. You can also add meat such as lamb, beef, chicken, or sausage. Cut the vegetables and meat into small pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Meat
Once the couscous has been steaming for about 10 minutes, remove the plate or towel and fluff the couscous with a fork. Then, place the heatproof bowl on top of the kettle (make sure that the bottom of the bowl is not in contact with the boiling water). Place the vegetables and meat in a second bowl and add them to the kettle as well. Make sure to layer the vegetables and meat so that they cook evenly. Cover the bowl with a plate or tea towel and let it steam for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Couscous
After 30 minutes, remove the vegetables and meat from the kettle and place them on top of the couscous. Mix everything together with a fork. Season the couscous with a mix of salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Tunisian couscous is now ready to serve! Traditionally, the couscous is served with harissa, a hot chili paste, and a side of buttermilk. You can also add some parsley or cilantro on top of the dish to give it some freshness. Enjoy!
