Couscous Is The Perfect Camping Food
It Is Lightweight, Easy To Cook And Great For All Types Of Camping
Couscous is pronounced “koos koos”.
It is occasionally spelt “cous cous”
What Is Couscous?
Couscous is actually a pasta, but it is commonly used as a grain. It is a great substitute for rice, and cooks much quicker.
Couscous is made from semolina, which is what is left over after durum wheat has been milled and the fine flour removed.
An individual couscous grain is about the same size of a coarse grain of sugar. It is the semolina coated with durum flour. Traditionally this was done by hand, but it is now made commercially and available in packets of instant couscous in the pasta section of the local supermarket.
It is a staple food in Middle Eastern countries like Morocco and Algeria.
Couscous As A Perfect Travelling Food
Most travellers have a limited amount of cooking equipment they can carry. If camping in a car or RV, there is the opportunity to carry various pots and pans, though restricted compared to the gourmet kitchen at home.
When travelling ultralight, such as hiking or cycle touring, cooking equipment and the type of food needs careful consideration.
Usually only one burner and one or two pans are available when travelling. This requires food that can be cooked under these constraints.
Couscous is a simple meal that requires only one burner and a saucepan.
Cooking Instant Couscous
Instant couscous is cooked by simply pouring boiling water over the couscous. The couscous grains soak up the water and swell. After letting it stand for a few minutes to absorb the water, the couscous is stirred with a fork to separate the grains.
Some butter or olive oil should be added to coat the couscous grains and keep them separate. The aim is to keep the couscous fluffy and light. The risk is that the couscous grains will congeal into a glutinous, gummy mixture.
About one cup dry couscous will give a bit over two cups when cooked.
The packet will have finer details on the cooking directions, however, a rough guide is equal quantities of water to dry couscous. For example, one cup of dry couscous needs one cup of water.
Couscous Recipes
With the couscous cooked, there are a multitude of uses.
Couscous by itself is basically tasteless, so it needs something to boost its flavour. Herbs and spices can be added, as can the range of sauces such as tomato or chilli.
Some commercially available instant couscous comes with spices and flavourings already added.
Couscous can be used like rice, as a complement to the main meal. Or meats and vegetables can be added to make a quick meal.
A good camping recipe with couscous is Chicken With Couscous.
Travelling With Couscous
When travelling, the speed with which couscous can be prepared is the huge advantage. It is lightweight and compact so is great for hiking, canoeing or biking.
Uncooked Couscous
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Instant Couscous
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Cooked Couscous
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