Cous cous is a versatile and nutritious grain that is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from semolina, which is derived from durum wheat. One of the questions that often comes up when cooking cous cous is whether or not it can be refrigerated.
The answer is yes, you can definitely refrigerate cous cous. In fact, refrigerating cous cous can be a great way to extend its shelf life and ensure that it stays fresh for longer. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when refrigerating cous cous.
First, it is important to let the cous cous cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the cous cous from becoming mushy and sticking together. You can speed up the cooling process by spreading the cous cous out on a baking sheet and lightly fluffing it with a fork. Once the cous cous has cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag before placing it in the refrigerator.
Second, when refrigerating cous cous, it is important to note that the texture may change slightly. Refrigeration can cause the cous cous to become slightly denser and stick together. To restore the fluffy texture, you can simply reheat the cous cous in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little bit of water or broth and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
FAQ
Can you refrigerate leftover couscous?
Yes, you can refrigerate leftover couscous. It is best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
How long can you keep cooked couscous in the refrigerator?
You can keep cooked couscous in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can you freeze cooked couscous?
Yes, you can freeze cooked couscous. It is recommended to freeze it in individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to use, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave before reheating.