While the exact details of when couscous first began are a bit blurry, we know it's been around since the 13th century as many 13th and 14th-century Arabic cookbooks contain couscous recipes. However, several sources dated even earlier than the 13th century elude to using this delicious ingredient and many food historians believe that it arose sometime between the 11th and 12th centuries.
So, where does this superfood come from? It depends on what type of couscous you're enjoying. Most couscous is made from durum wheat; the same grain used to make semolina flour. Durum wheat is most commonly cultivated in a region known as the Maghreb region, which contains countries like Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Egypt and much of the Middle East. The invention of couscous is widely credited to the Berbers, an ethnic group indigenous to Northwest Africa. However, instead of "couscous," it's commonly referred to as sekrou or seksu. In the eastern Mediterranean, another unique name for this pasta-like dish is used, called maftl or maghribiyya.
The way you store couscous largely depends on if it's uncooked or cooked. Uncooked couscous will remain fresh for a long time if stored in a well-sealed container in the pantry. On the other hand, if you've had your couscous for a long time and suspect that it may have spoiled, we recommend smelling it to ensure that it hasn't gone bad before using it in your meals.
Cooked couscous will last up to three days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. But, when combined with other ingredients that spoil quickly, it may not last that long.
If you're a fan of herbs and spices, you're bound to love this Moroccan Couscous recipe. It's loaded with flavorful ingredients like garlic, onion, cumin, ginger, coriander, cardamom, turmeric and cinnamon and will have your taste buds going wild. Though all of these spices can be added individually, we recommend substituting them with one tablespoon of a Moroccan spice blend if you're running short on time or don't have them all on hand. A simple yet flavorful recipe, this couscous dish is easy to make and out-of-this-world delicious.
