Consisting of many tiny granules made from steamed and dried durum wheat, couscous has become a popular alternative to rice and pasta. It has a light fluffy texture which is a little bland in flavour but which readily soaks up the flavours of other ingredients.

Couscous originates from North Africa, and is the staple ingredient in the North African diet. The term couscous also refers to dishes made with combinations of meat, vegetables and spices and combined with the semolina.