Jollof Couscous Recipe

My favorite Jollof Couscous recipe is quick and tasty. It will surely become a family favorite in your home too.

Delicious Couscous Jollof

If you love jollof rice, you are going to love this one. This couscous recipe is almost everything Jollof. The only difference is that this takes so much less time to put together.

Traditional Jollof rice is known for its spicy, smoky tomato base. This recipe swaps rice for couscous. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave that deep Jollof taste but are short on time. Jollof couscous is your answer.

For those busy weeknights when you crave that deep Jollof taste but are short on time, this recipe is your answer. It’s my tried-and-true method. I'm sure you will love it!

Why You Will Love Couscous Jollof

Couscous is a staple in North African cooking. It's the type of Pasta made from Semolina and sometimes a mixture of Semolina and wheat flour. Try to avoid whole wheat for this recipe unless you prefer a chewier texture.

If you are familiar with Nigerian cuisine, you will know that Jollof Rice holds a special place in our hearts. It's the ultimate party food, the comfort meal, the taste of home!

I have made it in many ways, like baked Jollof Rice and party style Jollof Rice. I have even used pasta to make jollof, and now couscous!

Here's why this Jollof Couscous will become a new favorite:

• Speed & Convenience: This is a huge win! It's much faster to prepare than traditional Jollof rice, making it perfect for those busy weekdays.
• Lighter Texture: Couscous offers an alternative to rice. It's fluffy and light. It provides a distinct but pleasing mouthfeel.
• Nutritional Boost: Couscous is a good source of complex carbohydrates and can be a healthy addition to your meals.

Couscous is very versatile, so you can pair it up with any accompaniment of your choice.

Tips for Success

I have made this dish countless times, and these are my secrets for making it perfectly:

• Perfecting the Pepper Base: I can't stress enough how important it is to properly cook down the blended pepper mixture. It's what gives Jollof its deep, complex flavor and signature color. Don't rush this step!
• Couscous-to-Liquid Ratio: Always double-check your specific couscous package for its recommended liquid ratio. While my recipe provides a general guide, slight variations exist, and getting this right ensures your couscous is perfectly fluffy, never mushy or dry.
• Smokiness: For a good Jollof smoky flavor without charcoal, try adding smoked paprika to the Jollof base. You will love it!
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is very versatile! It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or plantains. I also love it as a light meal on its own or as a vibrant base for quick meal prep.
• Customizing the Heat: If you love it spicy, feel free to add more Scotch Bonnets to your pepper blend. For less heat, reduce the quantity or remove the seeds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ecwrQBk5Y

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my couscous mushy/too dry?"

• Mushy: You likely used too much liquid or didn't remove the pot from the heat fast enough. Ensure you follow the liquid ratio and avoid letting it sit for too long.
• Too Dry: Not enough liquid, or the lid wasn't sealed tightly enough to trap the steam. Make sure the couscous is fully submerged.

Can I use quinoa instead of couscous?

Yes, makes a nutritious substitute. However, be mindful that the cook time will be different.

How long does couscous Jollof keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

Can I freeze couscous Jollof?

Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Is couscous gluten-free?

Traditional couscous isn't gluten-free.

What type of couscous is best?

I recommend using fine or medium-grain unflavored couscous for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the Jollof flavors beautifully.

Is this as flavorful as traditional Jollof rice?

It has all the core Jollof flavors. The rich tomato-pepper base, aromatics, and spices. Although the texture is different, I promise you will get a comparably delicious and authentic Jollof flavor experience.

If you like this recipe, you might also like these:

• Beef Couscous Recipe
• Easy and Delicious Vegetable Couscous
• Chicken Vegetable Couscous