Quick & Easy Creamy Coconut Couscous

Couscous is a versatile and light dish that can take on any flavor you pair it with. Adding rich coconut milk, bright bell peppers, and savory spices makes something special. This Creamy Coconut Couscous recipe features warm Caribbean spices, sweet peppers, and a touch of pimento. It’s a tasty side dish or a satisfying meal on its own. Looking for a quick weeknight dinner? This dish offers comfort and bold flavors in every bite. It’s also a unique addition to your dinner table.

History of Couscous

Couscous is a key food in North African cuisine. It is especially popular in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Its origins trace back to as early as the 7th century, and it is considered a food of the Berber people. Couscous used to be made by hand. People rolled semolina wheat with water to create small grains. Then, they steamed the grains.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Coconut Couscous

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Flavorful: Infused with coconut, pimento, peppers, and spices.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian meal.
• Comforting: Creamy texture with a hint of warmth from the spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Couscous acts as the base of the dish, absorbing the creamy coconut flavors and spices. Its light, fluffy texture balances the rich coconut milk and sweet peppers.
• Coconut milk adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. It enhances the couscous and gives it a rich texture. It also brings a tropical flair, tying the dish to Caribbean and African influences.
• Onions build the flavor foundation. When you sauté them, they let out natural sugars. This adds mild sweetness and boosts the dish’s depth.
• Orange and Yellow Bell Peppers contribute natural sweetness and vibrant color. They also add a crisp, juicy texture that balances the softness of the couscous. Their brightness  complements the coconut’s richness.
• Pimento (Allspice) adds warm, aromatic complexity. Its slightly peppery and sweet taste goes well with the coconut milk and peppers. This combination boosts the dish’s Caribbean flair.
• Badia Complete Seasoning is a flavorful blend. It mixes savory, herbal, and garlicky tastes all in one. It simplifies seasoning while ensuring robust flavor.
• Adobo seasoning adds savory depth. Its garlicky and earthy taste has a slight saltiness. It pairs well with sweet peppers and coconut milk.
• Paprika mild sweetness, subtle warmth, and a rich color. It enhances the visual appeal and brings a gentle, smoky undertone.
• Black Pepper brings a mild heat and sharpness. It balances the richness of coconut and boosts all other flavors.
• Garlic Powder adds umami and pungency, infusing the couscous with savory depth. It complements the onion and seasoning blends.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Couscous

Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.

Next, toss in the orange and yellow bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender but still vibrant.

Add the pimento (allspice) for a warm, aromatic base.

Build the Flavor

Sprinkle in your seasoning blend:

• Badia Complete Seasoning
• Adobo
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder

Let the spices toast for 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to bloom.

Add Coconut Milk

Add the coconut milk and ½ cup of water. Adjust this based on your couscous package instructions. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Couscous

Once the liquid is simmering, add the couscous. Stir it in, cover the pot, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutesto allow the couscous to absorb the creamy coconut liquid.

Fluff & Serve

After resting, fluff the couscous with a fork. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

What Makes This Coconut Couscous Special?

Coconut Milk for Creaminess

Coconut milk transforms ordinary couscous into a rich and velvety side dish. It adds a tropical twist and gives a luscious texture. This pairs beautifully with the light, fluffy couscous.

Pimento for Warmth

Pimento, also known as allspice, is a staple in Caribbean cooking. It adds a gentle heat and warmth that unifies the dish. This boosts the flavors of both the coconut and the sweet bell peppers.

Seasoning Blend for Depth

Combining Badia Complete Seasoning, Adobo, Paprika, and Garlic Powder adds layers of flavor. Each spice combines to make a tasty couscous. It has a nice balance of flavors, with a hint of heat and depth.

Tips for the Perfect Couscous

• Don’t Skip the Resting: Once the couscous is added to the hot coconut milk, it needs time to absorb the liquid. Cover the pot and let it rest without disturbing it.
• Fluff Gently: Use a fork to separate the grains. Avoid stirring aggressively to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving. Depending on your brand of coconut milk and seasoning, you may need a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Variations & Add-Ons

1. Add Protein:

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Sautéed tofu

2. Boost the Veggies:

• Spinach
• Sweet corn
• Cherry tomatoes

3. Spice It Up:

• Add scotch bonnet pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Coconut Couscous pairs well with a variety of mains:

• Jerk Salmon
• Curry Goat
• Pan Seared Steak
• Fried Plantains

Or, enjoy it as a light meal with a simple side salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Whole Wheat Couscous?

Yes! Whole wheat couscous works just as well. You may need to add a little extra water or coconut milk to ensure it softens properly.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of coconut milk or water to restore moisture.

What If I Don’t Have Pimento?

Substitute with a small pinch of ground cloves and nutmeg to mimic the warm, earthy flavor of pimento.

Is Couscous Good or Bad for You?

Couscous is generally good for you, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It’s low in fat, a good source of carbs, and offers some protein and fiber, especially in whole-wheat couscous. It’s also quick to prepare, making it a convenient and nutritious option.

Plain couscous is refined. It can have fewer nutrients than whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. Pair it with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. Ingredients like coconut milk or olive oil increase its nutritional value.

What Is Couscous Made Of?

Couscous is made from semolina wheat, which is coarsely ground durum wheat. It’s not a grain but rather tiny steamed balls of semolina flour. Traditionally, it’s hand-rolled. Most store-bought versions, however, are machine-made and pre-steamed for quick prep.

What Can I Add to Couscous for Flavor?

Couscous is like a blank canvas, absorbing the flavors of whatever you cook it with. Here are some popular additions:

• Broth: Use vegetable, chicken, or beef stock instead of water for a richer base.
• Aromatics: Onions, garlic, scallions, or shallots.
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, thyme, basil, or mint.
• Spices: Paprika, cumin, turmeric, pimento (allspice), curry powder.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, peas, or roasted veggies.
• Coconut Milk: For a creamy, tropical twist.
• Lemon Juice/Zest: For brightness and a citrusy kick.
• Olive Oil/Butter: Adds richness and enhances the texture.
• Nuts & Dried Fruit: Almonds, raisins, or cranberries for sweetness and crunch.

Is Couscous a Rice or Pasta?

Couscous is more closely related to pasta than rice. It’s made from wheat flour (semolina) and water, like pasta, but formed into small granules. Unlike rice, which is a whole grain, couscous is a processed wheat product.

It cooks more like rice. It absorbs water or broth instead of boiling and draining like regular pasta.

Final Notes & Thoughts

Creamy Coconut Couscous is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavorful experience. The creamy coconut base, bright peppers, and bold spices make this a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite proteins or enjoy on its own.

Next time you want something quick, easy, and tasty, try this Coconut Couscous recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!

Did You Try This Recipe? Share your results in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @JerkTavern. We’d love to see your creations!

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Wisdom

What a mighty God we serve!. He can do all things. But we are human. We are imperfect beings. We all once were living in this world without knowing God. The pressure of life gets to you at times, stress and struggle, pain and suffering, the cares of the world.

We all needed help at some point in our lives. Thank you Jesus for revealing yourself to us when we needed you the most. Now all the things we felt and went through while we were blind, we have Him to give it to.

Once we are righteous and pleasing in his sight, who can stand against us? Who can move us if God is for us?

Give all your cares and troubles to God, continue to pray to Him, put it all in his hands, don’t not worry, have no fear. Walk by faith and not by sight. For he knows what we need before we even ask.

He knows what we go through. As he said in the book of Matthew “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He is the same God yesterday, today, and forever more.

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