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Couscous History

Couscous may be older than pasta

By , About.com Guide

couscous history recipes pasta receipts

Couscous

© 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone

Couscous History

Today's couscous consists of small granules or pellets made from semolina flour (from the heart of durum wheat). It resembles farina, polenta, or grits but slightly larger.

However, the term couscous originally referred to the method of processing the flour, and couscous was often made from millet, barley, and other grains.

Couscous is as old as pasta. In fact, many historians argue that couscous pre-dates pasta, with references to couscous dating back as far as the 10th century. Scholars debate whether couscous originated in West Africa or North Africa (Berber), but today, couscous is considered a Moroccan specialty.

More About Couscous and Couscous Recipes:

Couscous Cooking Tips and Preparation
Couscous Varieties
Couscous History
Couscous Recipes
Couscous Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Cookbooks

Couscous: Fresh and Flavorful Contemporary Recipes
Couscous and Other Good Foods from Morocco
Mediterranean Grains and Greens
Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen
More Cookbooks

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