Kitchen know-how
Check which couscous is in the box
Tiny regular couscous and the larger pearl variety need different treatment.
Regular couscous can usually hydrate in hot liquid off the heat, covered. Pearl couscous is larger and typically needs simmering. Read the package before you start: the ratio and cooking time are not interchangeable.
Our chickpea bowls use regular couscous. Follow its package ratio, fluff the hydrated grains with a fork, and let excess steam escape before mixing in the vegetables.
For comparison, Eat for Health uses a five-minute covered soak for regular couscous, while Inspired Taste cooks pearl couscous in boiling water before draining. Neither method should be applied automatically to the other type.