Traditionally, Couscous is made from the hardest part of the grain of durum wheat, which is called semolina. The versatile cereal finds its place in many dishes. Uncooked it can last for up to one year, but what about cooked couscous?
Can you feeze it?
Yes, couscous freezes very well, and it is a great way to extend its shelf life for up to 6 months.
However, to get the best quality, you should consider some important steps.
Let’s dive right in.
How To Freeze Couscous?
Here is how you should freeze and store your cooked couscous.
Step 1: Prepare Your Couscous
If you want to freeze couscous, you need to cook it first. It doesn’t matter if you prepare it pure or with vegetables. Both variations can be frozen the same way. Only if you add ingredients such as milk, freezing isn’t a good idea.
Step 2: Let It Cool
Before freezing, allow the couscous to cool completely and steam out. In this way, you do not freeze condensation and prevent freezer burn.
In addition, the freezer does not have to cool down against the heat of the couscous, which saves energy.
Step 3: Spread The Couscous Over A Baking Sheet or Tray
As soon as it cools down, immediately spread the couscous over a baking tray. Then, cover the tray using a plastic sheet or cling film and put it in the freezer!
This way you’ll prevent the couscous from clumping.
You can also skip this step if you don’t care about it or you are short on time.
Step 4: Transfer It to Bags or an Airtight container
When the couscous gets a bit hard, get it out of the freezer and transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container.
Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it.
Note: If you have got a large batch I’d recommend splitting it up into multiple portions.
Step 5: Freeze it
Now, it is time to put the bag(s) or container(s) back into the freezer!
How Long Can You Freeze Couscous For?
If you followed the steps above you can usually safely freeze couscous for about 4-6 months.
How to Defrost Couscous?
To retain the original taste of couscous, you have to defrost it first. There are three main ways of defrosting couscous. Pick one as you please –
Method 1: Defrost In Microwave
If you have the microwave oven, here is what you will have to do.
- First, transfer the required amount of couscous into a microwave-proof bowl. Then, add a half cup of water to it.
- Second, let it microwave for a minute in max heat.
- Lastly, you need to continue heating it until you see the steam coming from the couscous.
Method 2: Defrost On Hob
- Firstly, pour some oil into the pan and add half a cup of water.
- Secondly, transfer your required amount of couscous to the pan, and continue heating it until the water gets absorbed.
- Lastly, turn the stove off and fluff the grains up using a fork. And that’s pretty much it.
Method 3: Defrost in the fridge
This is the simplest way but also takes the longest. The advantage is though, that it will most likely maintain the texture a bit better.
So if you can plan a day ahead, just put your couscous in the fridge overnight.
Can You Freeze Different Variations or Types of Couscous?
There are mainly 5 varieties of couscous and they come from Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania.
All of them can be frozen the same way outlined above.
Can You Freeze Couscous Dishes?
Can You Freeze Israeli Couscous?
Israeli couscous is a bit different from regular couscous but is relatively bigger. And the good news is you can freeze it the same as you would store couscous.
Refer to the guidelines above, and you will know how to make your Israeli couscous.
Can You Freeze Chicken Soup With Couscous?
Yes, why not?
To freeze chicken soup with couscous, you must store it in an airtight container or zippered freezer bags. That’s all.
Can You Freeze Cauliflower Couscous?
Let your cauliflower couscous cool down, transfer into freezer bags, seal tightly, and put it in the freezer. It can easily stay frozen for two months.
Can You Freeze Couscous Salad?
It is possible to freeze the couscous salad, but honestly, you should keep yourself from doing it. As it is only going to affect the texture of your food.
Freeze the couscous separately, defrost, reheat and combine it with salad ingredients, and surely it will taste better.
Can You Freeze Couscous With Vegetables?
This is possible, but we strictly advise you to do so as freezing veggies will only make it soggy.
Instead, freeze them separately and put them together when defrosting.
This may also be interesting: Feezing roasted vegetables.
Can You Freeze Couscous And Roasted Veg?
You can roast frozen veggies as they can hold their original texture. So, it is not a bad idea to freeze couscous and roasted veggies together.
The bottom line is, yes, you can freeze roasted veggies with couscous.
Can You Freeze Couscous Soup?
Yes. You need to store it in freezer bags or airtight containers, seal them up and freeze them. Couscous soups do freeze well, and without a second thought, you can freeze couscous soup.
Couscous Ideas
#1 Couscous Meatball Soup
Put some large leafy greens, meatballs, couscous, and appropriate seasonings, then let it simmer for 20 – 30 minutes, and it’s ready! This meatball couscous soup is what will make your chilled nights better!
#2 Jerk Chicken With Couscous
Inspired by Caribbean cuisine, this dish tastes delicious and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
#3 Greek Garlic Chicken
Through this couscous preparation, you will get to taste the lively flavors from the Greek Isles. It is a nice dinner option and has a taste so delicious that you are less likely to find it in any other couscous dish.
Other Interesting Questions
How Long Can You Keep Cooked Couscous In The Fridge?
Once you cook it, you can keep it for three days in the fridge. In contrast, you can store it for four to six months in the freezer!
If you plan to eat it within a day or two, it is better to keep it in the fridge.
How Can You Tell If Couscous Is Bad?
If your couscous has gone bad if it looks musty, moldy, or even smells stale.
If you keep it in the fridge for a week, it can go bad. If you wish to store it for a longer period, freeze it.
Conclusion
Freezing couscous is a great way to extend its shelf life. Just let it completely cool down, transfer it to bags or air containers and put it in the freezer.
Happy cooking!
