Instant Pot Pearl Couscous (also known as Israeli couscous) is a quick and tasty side dish with a delightfully chewy texture. Cooked in broth with a touch of olive oil and seasoning, it turns out perfectly every time—no boiling or draining needed. Serve it warm or chilled in salads, alongside stews, or as a base for hearty bowls.
I used Israeli Couscous from Trader Joe’s in this recipe. Israeli couscous is also called pearl couscous or maftoul. It is larger than traditional couscous, pasta-like pearls made from wheat flour. This also means that this coucous is not gluten-free.
I got this from the Trader Joe’s store near my house. It is also available on Amazon. However, it is much more expensive there. There are other brands from Amazon that are more reasonable.
This dish is ready in under 30 minutes using a pressure cooker. As we are cooking under pressure, I also reduced the amount of broth or water added.
Note: Israeli couscous, also called pearl couscous, is different than Moroccan couscous. This pearl couscous is larger and looks like tiny balls of pasta. Moroccan couscous is much smaller and made with semolina. This recipe does not work for Moroccan couscous.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Butter or Olive Oil: To lightly toast the couscous and saute the aromatics for extra flavor.
Aromatics: Use shallots or red onions, along with freshly minced garlic.
Israeli Couscous: Also known as pearl couscous, these little pasta-like pearls turn wonderfully chewy and satisfying.
Seasoning: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Water or Broth: Use broth for extra flavor, or water for a more neutral taste.
Lemon Juice: A bright finishing touch that lifts all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Recipe Tips
Toast the couscous for more flavor: Sauté the couscous with the aromatics in a little olive oil or butter before adding liquid. This brings out a nutty aroma and keeps the pearls from sticking.
Use the correct liquid ratio: For fluffy but slightly chewy couscous, use about 2 cups of liquid for every 1 1/2 cups of pearl couscous. You can use water or broth—broth adds more flavor.
Let it rest: After opening the lid, let the couscous sit for a couple of minutes. This helps absorb any remaining liquid and improves texture.
Fluff before serving: Use a fork to gently fluff the couscous—this keeps it light and separate.
Add veggies: If you prefer, you can add your choice of veggies, such as bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, edamame, or green peas. Sauté them briefly before adding liquid.
Add spices: I have kept this couscous very lightly spiced with just salt and black pepper. If you like, you can add more spices.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Serve Couscous?
You can serve couscous hot or cold.
Serve it as a side with grilled chicken or salmon. Add a side of grilled veggies such as roasted asparagus or green beans.
Make a couscous salad with fresh vegetables, such as red onions, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and more!
You can find inspiration in my Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad. Replace the orzo with couscous for a wonderful summer side dish.
Toss this couscous with spinach pistachio pesto or basil walnut pesto for a different side dish. Add some grilled veggies to it to make it a hearty meal.
More Grain Recipes
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Quinoa Pulao (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
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Instant Pot Daliya Pulao (Bulgur Pilaf)
Rice & Grains
Beetroot Rice Pulao (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Instant Pot Couscous (Israeli Pearl)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Butter , or Olive oil
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely diced or minced
- 1/2 cup Shallots , or Red Onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup Couscous, Isreali
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 cup Water, or broth
- 2 teaspoon Lemon juice
- Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Heat the instant pot in sauté mode and add olive oil to it.
- Add the diced shallots and garlic. Saute for 3 minutes.
- Add the couscous, salt, black pepper, and water (or broth). Stir it all well.
- Change the Instant Pot setting to pressure cook mode on high pressure for 2 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot beeps, do 10 minutes NPR. This means release the pressure manually 10 minutes after the beep.
- Mix in the lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. Give it a gentle stir, and couscous is ready to be enjoyed.
Thanks for sharing this . I personally love it
Came out great in the end, but my insta post posted the “burn” warning. I tried to get it going again, and in the end I released steam, took a look (burnt slightly on bottom), and let it sit with lid back on for !0 mins.
Seemed to do the trick. Thoughts on where I may have gone astray?
Hey Shane – Glad you enjoyed the couscous despite the hiccups with the burn message. The new instant pots are a bit more sensitive to burn message. Here are some possible changes I can suggest – 1) After sautéing the bell peppers and carrots in step 3, deglaze the pot by adding some water. 2) Add the water and spices, then add couscous on the top. Do not stir much. Just press with a ladle so all the couscous is submerged in water.
I would love to hear if these changes help!
Mine burned too –
I tried it twice and no matter what I did it burned so I had to put the couscous that wasn’t burnt in a silicone steam basket. I have not been able to get any grain to not burn and all my books and this recipe say I’m doing it right. I’m stumped.
Hey Amanda – I am sorry to hear you are having trouble cooking any grains in your ip. I would suggest to deglaze well and add a little more liquid, in case that helps. I also suggested to first add water, add couscous on top and not stir it. The newer ip models are much more sensitive to burn which has been causing this issue. I hope you can overcome this issue.
Hi Amanda and Shane – I just tried this couscous again with more liquid. For 1 3/4 cup of couscous, I added 2 cups water and it worked well. I hope you try again with more liquid and see if you still get the burn issue. Thank you!
We love this recipe. So flavorful, and easy to make! Thank you!
Thank you, Sarah. So happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Hey,
You can also add Gujarati Recipes and Desserts in your blog.
Because Gujarati Dishes so amazing.
Absolutely, love Gujarati food. I will be adding more and more recipe. Thanks for the suggestion!
I love quirky recipes. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Hope you enjoy it ????
This was quick, easy, and delicious!
Thanks Marion. Glad you liked it!