Are Couscous Pasta?

TCouscous is often mistaken for pasta due to its similar appearance, but it is not technically classified as pasta. Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from durum wheat semolina, which is moistened and then rolled into tiny granules. It is commonly used as a staple food in countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.

Pasta, on the other hand, is made from a dough that typically includes wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs. It is shaped into various forms like spaghetti, macaroni, penne, or lasagna sheets, and then cooked by boiling or baking.

While couscous and pasta share some similarities in terms of their ingredients and cooking methods, they have distinct differences. Couscous has a more granular texture, while pasta generally has a firmer and chewier texture. Additionally, couscous is often steamed or soaked in hot water to cook, whereas pasta is boiled in water until al dente.

So, while couscous may resemble pasta in appearance, they are different culinary products with their own unique characteristics and cultural significance.

Other names for Couscous

Israeli couscous, Jerusalem couscous, pearl couscous, couscous, Kuskus; Maftoul, Moghrabieh; Seksu; Kusksi; Keskesu; Kouskousaki, ptitim