I served couscous with dinner last night and realized that my husband and kids didn’t even know what it was. My kids thought it was rice and my husband guessed that it was a type of grain. Wrong! Couscous is actually a coarsely ground steamed pasta made from semolina which is a type of wheat.
Couscous is a staple in North African countries and is widely used in the Middle East. Over the past decade or so, it has increased in popularity in the United States. I can see how it could be mistaken for rice since it is about the same size and has a similar color and texture.
Couscous is very versatile. It can be used in main courses or side dishes and can be served hot or cold. It can be substituted for rice and other grains in many meals and can be seasoned with just about anything.
Couscous is low in fat and has about the same calories per serving as pasta noodles or rice. 1 cup of cooked couscous has 176 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and no sugar. Not bad!
Be sure to stop by tomorrow when I share my two favorite couscous recipes.
- Jennifer
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ATTENTION SPORTS FANS! If you love watching professional sports up close and personal, then this report is a must read. ESPN’s “What’s Lurking In Your Stadium Food?” looks at Health Department inspection reports from all 107 stadiums used by the MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL. From mold on ice machines to employees not washing their hands, reports showed that consumers should be concerned about some of the food they eat in these stadiums.
I discovered that 7 out of the 8 stadiums that have 75-100% of their vendors in violation were here in Florida, including where the Miami Heat and the Miami Dolphins play. I may think twice before chowing down next time I go to a game. Yikes!
- Lauren
Labels: Healthy Cooking, healthy eating, Jennifer, Lauren, Sports
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I saw the story on stadium food!!!! Me, I never eat there anyway.. I sneak in my own stuff.. thank goodness!!!!