Everything You Need to Know About Giant Couscous

What Is Giant Couscous?

Despite looking like a grain, giant couscous is actually a type of pasta. Made from semolina flour and water, it forms large, toasted pearls with a satisfyingly chewy texture and subtle nutty flavour.

Also known as Israeli couscous, giant couscous is larger than traditional couscous and has a heartier bite that makes it perfect for everything from salads and grain bowls to stews and tagines.

Easy to cook and wonderfully versatile, it's a simple ingredient that can elevate both everyday meals and dinner-party dishes.

Is Giant Couscous Healthy?

Giant couscous is naturally low in fat and provides a source of plant-based protein and fibre.

Its versatility and satisfying texture make it a great alternative to white rice, pasta or potatoes, helping to add variety to your meals while providing a delicious base for vegetables, pulses and flavour-packed dressings.

Paired with a range of colourful plant-based ingredients, giant couscous can be part of a balanced and varied diet.

A Brief History of Giant Couscous

Giant couscous was developed in Israel during the 1950s, when the country's first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, asked food manufacturers to create a wheat-based alternative to rice during a period of food rationing.

The result was a toasted pasta pearl that quickly became popular across the Middle East and beyond.

Today, giant couscous is enjoyed throughout the region and is known by a variety of names, including Israeli Couscous, Ptitim, Berkukes, Maftoul, Mograbiah and even Ben-Gurion Rice.

Whatever you call it, it's loved for its versatility and distinctive texture.

What Does Giant Couscous Taste Like?

Unlike traditional North African couscous, which consists of tiny steamed semolina grains, giant couscous is toasted during production.

This gives it a subtly nutty flavour and a light yet satisfyingly chewy texture. Similar to pasta, it holds up well to rich sauces, absorbs surrounding flavours beautifully and retains its bite after cooking.

Its mild flavour makes it incredibly versatile, pairing perfectly with everything from roasted vegetables and fresh herbs to warming spices and slow-cooked stews.

It's particularly at home in Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as tagines, where its nutty notes complement aromatic spices and rich sauces.

How to Cook with Giant Couscous

One of giant couscous's biggest advantages is how quick and easy it is to prepare.

Typically ready in just 6–8 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknight cooking.

Try it in:

• Grain bowls
• Seasonal salads
• Roasted vegetable dishes
• Tagines and stews
• Stuffed vegetables
• Warm lunch bowls
• Side dishes in place of rice or pasta

Its firm texture means it works particularly well in make-ahead lunches, as it holds its shape beautifully and absorbs dressings as it sits.

Why We Love Giant Couscous

At Merchant Gourmet, we love giant couscous for its ability to bring texture, flavour and substance to a huge variety of meals.

Whether you're creating a vibrant salad, a comforting stew or a quick weeknight dinner, its nutty flavour and satisfying chew make it an easy ingredient to reach for time and time again.

Looking for Giant Couscous Recipe Inspiration?

From colourful salads and hearty grain bowls to warming tagines and seasonal dishes, discover delicious ways to cook with giant couscous and make it the star of your next meal.