How to Steam Couscous in a Couscoussier the Moroccan Way

Traditional Moroccan couscous is always prepared by steaming, a method that allows each individual grain of couscous to become plump and tender without being clumpy, soggy, or sticky.

The steaming is usually done in a couscoussier such as the one shown above. A couscoussier is designed to steam couscous in a large basket that is set over a pot of boiling water or stew such as the one prepared in Moroccan Couscous with Seven Vegetables.

If you don't have a couscoussier, you can use a universal steamer or a very large metal colander set over a stockpot. Some people have reported success using a Thai sticky rice steaming basket, but I've never tried it.

The Qaffal - Sealing the Joint Between the Steamer and the Couscous Pot

No matter the equipment used, be sure that no steam escapes from the joint where the steaming basket meets the pot. This is important so that all the steam rises up through the holes in the bottom of the steaming basket.

If you do notice steam escaping, drape a long piece of folded plastic wrap over the rim of the pot and then nestle the steamer basket into place.

The plastic wrap can be left in place throughout all of the steaming steps unless you find that it needs to be replaced.

Using plastic wrap is a fairly new method for sealing the joint. Some cooks still use an old, traditional method of wrapping the joint with strips of cotton that have been dipped in a batter-like mixture of flour and water.

This seal is referred to as a qaffal. Not only is the flour paste messier than plastic wrap, but the seal must be removed and reapplied for each steaming because it's wrapped around the joint after the steamer has been placed on the pot.

This was, however, such an expected and routine step to preparing couscous that an expression evolved: Wallah law maqafflti la fawwarti; meaning, "If you don't tighten up (ie. work hard) you won't succeed."

Although semolina couscous is the most popular couscous, it's important to note that couscous comes in different sizes (or calibers) as well as different grains such as barley, millet, corn, wheat, oats, mixed grains, and more.

These factors affect how much water is absorbed by the couscous as well as the number and length of steaming sessions. For example, fine couscous might require less water than medium or large; barley couscous requires more water than semolina.

The tutorial below outlines the traditional method for steaming semolina couscous three times. Before each steaming, the couscous is tossed with increasingly larger increments of water. 

Some Moroccans might steam semolina couscous only twice, using more water for the initial steaming, but I prefer the results from three steaming sessions.

How to Steam Couscous

In each step below, you'll be handling the couscous for only a few minutes. However, allow 1 ½ hours total because the couscous will need to steam for about 20 minutes in each of the three steps.

Steaming of the couscous is usually done while preparing the meat, vegetables, and broth that will be served atop it. Those are typically cooking in the base of the couscoussier while the couscous steams above.

In addition to your couscoussier, you'll need a very large bowl or basin for working with the couscous. The photos here show a gsaa, a wide, shallow ceramic dish used for both mixing and serving.

Tips for Steaming Couscous

Keep the following points in mind as you prepare to steam:

• The quantities of oil, water, and salt in various steps are for 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs) of dry couscous. Adjust the measures to the amount of couscous that you're steaming. One kilogram of couscous will feed 6 to 8.
• If you won't be steaming the couscous over stew, fill your pot halfway with water, bring it to a boil, then maintain a rapid simmer throughout the steaming steps.
• Be sure the bottom of the steamer basket does not come in contact with the liquids below.
• Before starting, oil your steamer basket and set up your work area.
• Note that the couscous should be left uncovered during the steaming. Most Moroccans would not even consider covering it, although there are of course some who do. If you feel you must break with this tradition, you will probably need less water for the final steaming in order to avoid a heavy, wet couscous.

Step 1 - First Steaming - Couscous + ¼ c oil + 1 c water

1. Empty 1 kilogram of dry couscous into a gsaa or very large bowl. Pick through the couscous to remove any debris or unwanted bits.
2. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable or olive oil to the couscous. Toss and rub the couscous between your hands for 1 or 2 minutes to coat each couscous grain with oil. This helps prevent clumping later on.
3. Distribute 1 cup (236 ml) of water over the couscous. Toss and rub the couscous for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed evenly. Break up any small balls or clumps that form while you work with the couscous.
4. Transfer the couscous to the oiled steamer—handle the couscous lightly and don't pack it—and place the steamer atop the pot. Steam the couscous for 20 minutes, timing from when the steam rises from the couscous.