Couscous
Tipiak Couscous
HK$24.50 for 500 grams, Taste
This French product is plain and hence takes on flavours well, so pair it with anything you fancy, from raisins and chickpeas to feta and peppers. The package notes that this is medium-grained, but it takes a keen eye to notice it's a bit bigger than Casbah's.
Verdict: a great alternative to rice. Perfectly al dente when cooked according to package instructions; a pat of butter makes it especially tasty.
Al'Fez Moroccan Spiced Couscous
HK$25 for 200 grams, City'super
This is British couscous for the lazy; it's infused with spices, sultanas and pine nuts so it's flavourful right out the box. Add broccoli, halloumi, sugar snap peas, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil, and you have a good meal.
Verdict: tasty, but watch the sodium: it's got 1,060mg per 100 grams.
Casbah CousCous
HK$35.50 for 340 grams, ThreeSixty
Originating from North Africa, couscous is not a grain but itsy bitsy pasta. Like pasta, it's made from durum semolina wheat flour. Because of its size, it's super quick to cook: boil water, pour over couscous, let stand for five minutes, and voila! This particular brand is a Canadian favourite.
Verdict: plain but therefore versatile. Goes well with vegetables, meats and sauces.
