Dear home cook,
I have to tell you, I am very impressed with Rice Select Couscous, made with the chicken/vegetable stock I made earlier in the week. This combination bursts with flavor. I poured a bunch over a braised pork chop that I brined overnight, and the combination was awesome.
Couscous is a very small grain. It has a very mild flavor. According to the nutritional info, each serving contains 150 calories, 0 fat, 0 sodium, 31g carbs, and 5g protein. It is not the superfood that quinoa is, but as a change of pace to regular white rice or potatoes, it can be awesome.
Rice Select Couscous
Unlike many grains or rices that have a 2:1 ratio of liquid to grain, this couscous has a 1:1 ratio. I added a little bit more liquid, and it took it all. I made a pretty large batch to use for several meals. I heated nearly 3 cups of my home made chicken and vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon of butter, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Note that the nutritional info says no salt. Without some salt, it would be pretty bland. To this liquid, I added 2 cups of couscous. The end result is nearly 4 cups of fluffy tri-color couscous goodness.
The stock gave the couscous a rich flavor of chicken and vegetables. When used as a side to my braised pork chop, the flavors mixed exceptionally well. I braised the brined pork chop with onions and yellow peppers. The brining, in a salt and lemon solution, made the pork chops super tender, and full of flavor. I’ll write about the pork chops next.
So for now, if you are a little tired of the same old rice or potatoes, I encourage you to try other grains like couscous. The change in consistency and size will add life to your meals.
I wish you great adventures having fun cooking!
Mark
