Couscous
Step away from the stove. In the microwave, these tiny grains quickly transform into light, tender pearls that form the perfect base for any meal.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
Cook Times
| Grain | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups | 3 cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups | 3 cups |
| Time | 2 mins | 2 mins | 2 mins | 3 mins |
Max Quantities
Medium Deep Dish: 2 cups
Large Deep Dish: 3 cups
Instructions
- Add couscous to an Anyday Deep Dish. Add water in the proportion listed in the table. Stir and spread quinoa in an even layer.
- Cook in the microwave at the power level above for the time listed, or until the water has been absorbed and couscous is tender (try one!). If still is still too hard, add more time at the power level listed in 1-minute increments.
- Rest for 2 minutes with the lid on to allow couscous to gently finish steaming.
Cooking Tips
- Always use an Anyday Deep Dish to cook grains (the water will likely overflow in the Shallow Dishes). Do not cook more than the max quantities listed above.
- To cook quantities not listed in the table, use a couscous:water ratio of 1:1.
Changing your power level
Did you know your microwave has different power levels? The default is full power, but lower power levels are helpful for certain foods like grains, which tend to bubble over if cooked at full power, or custards, which require gentle simmering.
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
Want more couscous recipes?
Level it Up!
Try these versatile flavor combinations with this cooked ingredient.
Minty lime: Mix with turmeric, lime juice, and mint leaves
Mediterranean: Mix with chopped raisins, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice
Tabbouleh-style: Mix with chopped parsley, diced cucumber, and tomatoes
Refresher: Mix with chopped mint, grapefruit cut into small pieces, and crispy shallots
