Making pearl couscous in slow cooker
I've been using a slow cooker to make casseroles lately and would like to try using it to make Israeli couscous. I can't find anything online that tells me how to do this. The reason I would like it to sit is so that it will absorb the herbs and spices I make it with. Most recipes just have you add it in the last 10 mins. That doesn't seem long enough to absorb enough flavor. Anyone have any idea how to achieve what I'm looking to do?
Best Answer
I got it to work! I added chicken stock and zucchini and cooked on high until zucchini started to soften. I added sautéed onions, garlic, spinach and let sit for a while so stock would absorb flavors. Then I added canned tomatoes and cooked sausage. I let the liquid get hot and then added the couscous. I let it cook for 20-30 mins. It took longer than I thought for it to soften. It's not "fluffy" but that's not what I was going for. I wanted more of a casserole feel. Then I added some cheese and feta after I turned the heat off. I ended up having to add a lot of salt, but it tastes great!
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Quick Answer about "Making pearl couscous in slow cooker"
How much water do I need for 1 cup of pearl couscous?
To prepare Israeli or pearl couscous, you'll need about 1 1/4 cups of water or vegetable broth for every 1 cup of dry grain. Simmer the grains stovetop, covered, for about 10 minutes. The grains fluff up just slightly, and, like barley, they have more of an "al dente" mouth feel when done cooking.How long does it take pearl couscous to cook?
Bring water to a boil. Add couscous and salt. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.Can I make pearl couscous in a rice cooker?
Cook couscous in a rice cooker on the \u201cwhite rice\u201d setting. Use 1\xbd cups liquid per cup of couscous, so the couscous doesn't dry out in the rice cooker. If using water rather than broth, add a pinch of salt\u2014and other seasonings, if desired\u2014to your couscous.Do I need to rinse pearl couscous before cooking?
Cook with plenty of water and drain using a colander. If you're going to add it to salads you can also rinse it with water. If you rinse it, some of the starchy flavor will be lost but the flavors of the salad will make up for that loss.Pearl Couscous in minutes
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Answer 2
While I agree with the others on it turning to mush if you cook it too long, there is a way to get your desired effect of absorbing more flavor.
What does the couscous absorb really quickly? Liquid! So, let's make some flavored liquid, aka stock.
You can buy stock or make it on your own and add whatever herbs, veggies and spices you like. Then, replace stock for water in the recipe.
This concept is similar to cooking risotto with chicken stock.
Answer 3
Couscous is a pasta. Like any other pasta, couscous would be overcooked and mushy if you cooked it in a slow cooker for any duration longer than 10-15 minutes. Even 15 minutes may be too long. I would stick to the recipe. You'd be surprised how well spices and seasoning adhere to couscous-- especially if the seasonings are steamed with the couscous.
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