Hard Wheat Couscous . Medium grain Couscous

Throughout North Africa and parts of the Middle East, couscous is regarded as the ultimate comfort food. Like rice to Persian cuisine or pasta to Italians, couscous is revered as almost sacred - a food to enjoy every day, and to dress up for special occasions. Today, most people only know the factory-produced version that comes in a box with a flavor packet tucked inside. But at its heart, couscous is the opposite of fast food. It is made by hand and savored accordingly. Tunisian serve very fine, fluffy couscous doused with milk and flavored with cinnamon, orange blossom water, sugar, and almonds. Libyans and Egyptians also eat couscous as dessert - the former with dates, sesame, and honey, and the latter with butter, cinnamon, cream, and raisins. No matter what accompanies it, the most important aspect of couscous is that it is served communally. It is meant to be shared and savored along with laughter and conversation.