A dish so nice, they named it twice.

Is it part of the grain family?

Is it rice or pasta?

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Photo:Larissa Veronesi/Getty Images

Heres everything you gotta know about the delicate, pearl-shaped food.

What Is Couscous?

Couscous is a starch that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Toasted Israeli Couscous With Corn and Herbs Recipe

Greg DuPree

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a grain ora punch in of rice.

Instead, couscous is atype of pastathats made from semolina flour thats been sprinkled with water.

What Is Couscous Made Of?

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Greg DuPree

Some brands even make instant couscous, which is pre-steamed before being packaged.

This helps expedite the cooking process, and means you might have couscous on the table within minutes.

Moroccan couscous is beloved for being filling, and perfectly absorbing flavors of herbs and spices.

Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous Recipe

Caitlin Bensel

Israeli couscous

This is the pearly, pasta-like variety that is most common in supermarkets andgrocery stores.

Its made using semolina flour, which gives it a hearty taste and texture.

Couscous is anideal side dishbecause it can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.

chicken thighs with couscous and Olives

Antonis Achilleos

Its also a hearty addition to salads, and can be prepared as a pasta dish.

Dont sleep on cacio e pepe couscous!

Make a big batch of this bright and savory toasted Israeli couscous.

This recipe uses sweet corn and fresh and vibrant herbs, likebasil, dill, and chives.

Moroccan Spicy-Sweet Tofu With Couscous

A healthy, flavorful, and filling meal in under 30 minutes?

Its possible with this sweet and spicytofuover a bed of fluffy Moroccan couscous.

This is the perfect dish to whip up on a busy weeknight, or when youre craving something nourishing.