Grains - Import export

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.

People everywhere consider Couscous as an ambassador of North African cuisine and the epitome of the delicacy of Mediterranean culinary art. With its rich tradition, couscous remains one of the most attractive and mysterious dishes in the world. In America, couscous is typically regarded as a side dish, a starch sitting on the side of the plate. But in North Africa and the Middle East, it much more versatile and central to the meal. It can be served savory or sweet, and either alone or as a component of a larger dish. In North African countries, it is often accompanied by a meat or vegetable stew. Tunisians treasure a couscous dish served with a vegetable stew, typically a mix of root veggies and squashes.They, often add tomatoes to their couscous stews. In Libya, it is sometimes made with millet instead of semolina and most often served with lamb. Tunisians, meanwhile, like to liberally spice up their couscous with Harissa, and serve it with a brothy fish bouillabaisse.