Osem Couscous

Your One-Stop Resource for Osem Couscous Tips, Tricks, and Recipes

Couscous is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and North African cuisines. The tiny, pearl-shaped semolina pasta can be served as a light and fluffy side dish or used as the base for hearty salads, stews, and more. Osem Couscous is one of the most popular packaged couscous brands, known for its quality and convenience. This buying guide will tell you everything you need to know about Osem Couscous, from where to purchase it to how to cook it and recipe ideas.

What is Osem Couscous?

Osem Couscous is an Israeli couscous brand made from durum wheat semolina. It has a light wheat flavor and fluffy, pasta-like texture when prepared. Osem uses a unique process to create their signature pearls, which are slightly larger than traditional Moroccan couscous. This gives Osem Couscous a pleasant, toothsome bite.

Osem was founded in Israel in 1942 and has grown into one of the largest food manufacturers in the country. They are known for high-quality products that merge Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. In addition to couscous, Osem produces soups, snacks, seasonings, and more. Their couscous is kosher-certified and free of cholesterol, trans fat, and artificial flavors or preservatives.

Where to Buy Osem Couscous

Osem Couscous is available at many major grocery stores in the kosher foods aisle or with other packaged grains like rice and quinoa. Some specific stores where you can find it include:

• Kroger – Look in the kosher or international foods sections. Available in plain and whole wheat varieties.
• Publix – Sold along with dry pasta and rice. Often on sale for under $3 per box.
• Trader Joe’s – Shelved with other grains and side dishes. Sold in single-serve microwaveable cups.
• Costco – Look for big bulk bags to save money. Also sold individually at most locations.
• Amazon – Prime members get free shipping on pantry items like Osem Couscous. Sold by multiple sellers.
• Jet – Partner site of Walmart that carries couscous and offers free shipping over $35.
• Ethnic grocery stores – Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and kosher markets frequently stock Osem.

For the best price, look for sales or buy larger quantities when possible. Osem Couscous has an excellent shelf life when stored properly.

How to Cook Osem Couscous

Cooking Osem Couscous is simple and only takes about 10 minutes total. Here is a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Osem Couscous
• 1 3/4 cups boiling water or broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the couscous and salt. Pour in the boiling liquid and stir briefly to combine.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let sit for 5 minutes. The couscous will absorb the liquid as it steeps.
3. Remove the cover and fluff the couscous with a fork to break up any clumps. Drizzle in olive oil or butter if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve warm on its own or with your favorite proteins, vegetables, and sauce or dressing. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

This basic process yields light, tender Osem Couscous every time. Feel free to experiment with different steeping liquids like vegetable broth or tomato juice for added flavor.

Osem Couscous Ingredients

Osem Couscous contains just a few simple ingredients:

• Durum wheat semolina – Made from durum wheat, a type of hard wheat high in protein. This gives the couscous its signature chewy texture.
• Water – Hydrates the dried couscous so it becomes fluffy when cooked.
• Canola oil – A small amount of canola oil is added to help keep the grains separate after cooking.
• Salt – For flavor enhancement. No need to add more salt when cooking.

Osem Couscous is vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free. The only ingredient derived from animals is vitamin D3. It’s perfect for restrictive diets as long as you can tolerate gluten from the wheat.

Is Osem Couscous Gluten-Free?

No, Osem Couscous contains gluten since it is made from durum wheat semolina. While Osem doesn’t manufacture a certified gluten-free couscous, there are some good alternatives:

• Barilla Gluten-Free Couscous – Made from corn and rice flour
• Banza Chickpea Couscous – High protein and fiber
• Roland Quinoa Couscous – Blend of quinoa and rice
• Tinkyada Brown Rice Couscous – Modeled after Osem’s size and texture

If you need a gluten-free option, check your local natural grocer or the health food aisle of major supermarkets. Just note that the texture may differ from traditional wheat-based couscous.

Couscous Cooking Time

One of the appeals of Osem Couscous is its quick cooking time. From start to finish, cooked couscous takes just 10 minutes:

• 2 minutes to boil water or broth
• 5 minutes to steep the couscous
• 3 minutes to fluff with a fork

No need to watch a pot boil or constantly stir. The hassle-free preparation makes couscous the perfect speedy side for busy weeknights. Couscous also keeps well, so you can make a big batch on the weekend and reheat portions during the week.

If using couscous in a salad or as a base for chilled dishes, simply allow the cooked couscous to cool to room temperature before mixing in other ingredients.

Osem Couscous Recipes

Plain Osem Couscous is delicious on its own, but also plays nicely with all kinds of mix-ins. From Mediterranean classics to creative new flavor combos, here are some recipe ideas:

• Moroccan Chicken Couscous – Cooked chicken, vegetables, broth, spices, and chickpeas served over couscous.
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad – Toss with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta, olives, and red wine vinaigrette.
• Broccoli Cheddar Couscous – Fold in steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, and seasonings for a cheesy casserole.
• BBQ Couscous – Mix in cooked chicken or pork, bbq sauce, corn, and peppers for a quick weeknight meal.
• Buffalo Couscous – Toss spicy buffalo sauce with couscous, chicken, carrots, celery, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Sweet Couscous – Make a dessert by stirring in chocolate chips, marshmallows, cinnamon, and vanilla!

Couscous also works well as a base for bowls, jars, and stuffed vegetables. The fluffy grains soak up sauces beautifully.

Is Osem Couscous Suitable for Vegans?

Osem Couscous is vegan-friendly, but not certified vegan. Here are the key points:

• It does not contain any dairy, egg, or animal products.
• The ingredients are all plant-based except for vitamin D3.
• Vitamin D3 can be derived from lanolin (wool grease) which would make it non-vegan. Osem likely uses a synthetic source but cannot guarantee it.
• Osem facilities also process milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, etc so there is a risk of cross-contamination.

In summary, Osem Couscous is suitable for vegans who are not highly sensitive to cross-contamination. Strict vegans may want to choose a certified vegan brand instead. But Osem is a good mainstream option for excluding animal products. Just check the ingredients on each package purchased.

Different Sizes and Varieties of Osem Couscous

Osem offers convenient couscous options for every appetite:

• Original – The classic plain couscous, sold in 10 oz, 1 lb, and 5 lb bags.
• Whole Wheat – Made from whole wheat instead of refined for added nutrition.
• Minis – Fun, tiny pearl couscous perfect as a salad topping.
• Soup Cups – Individual seasoned flavor packs for a quick lunch on the go.
• Giant Israeli Pearl Couscous – Larger, heartier grains great in pilafs or as a rice substitute.

Whether you need a single serving or enough to feed an army, Osem has just the right package. The various sizes and flavors give you flexibility in recipes and portions.

How Osem Couscous Compares to Other Brands

Osem is one of the leading couscous brands, producing fluffy, consistent grains. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular options:

• Rolled Fresh – Artisan-style that must be boiled like pasta
• Barilla – More processed and uniform in size like Osem
• Near East – Aromatic, spice-infused varieties great for pilafs
• Trader Joe’s – Budget friendly option, a bit coarser texture
• 365 Whole Foods – Organic couscous cooked in vegetable broth

Osem strikes a nice balance of quality and convenience. The pearls are tender but still have a pleasant chew. The preparation is fuss-free compared to boiled couscous. Overall, it’s a tasty mainstream choice loved by many.

Osem Couscous Reviews

Across various online grocery sites, Osem Couscous receives positive reviews for its ease of preparation, versatility, and pleasant flavor:

• “This is simple, fast, and delicious!” Praised for being easy to make and pairing well with many seasonings.
• “Fluffy and light every time.” Reviewers say Osem’s consistency and texture is excellent.
• “We use this couscous multiple times a week.” Said to be a pantry staple and family favorite.
• “I like the larger Israeli pearl style.” Many prefer the heartier, chewier grains over traditional tiny couscous.
• “Good source of fiber and protein.” Even the plain unseasoned couscous delivers nutrition.

For those new to couscous, Osem is repeatedly called out as a great introduction with foolproof results.

Osem Couscous Kosher Certification

Yes, all Osem products including the couscous are certified kosher. Here are the details:

• Osem facilities and manufacturing processes are supervised by Kosher authorities.
• Their products bear the certification symbols of major Kosher organizations like the Orthodox Union (OU) and Star-K.
• Different Kosher certifications will be printed on the label indicating which organization oversees that product.
• Osem’s kosher certifications and processes are accepted worldwide, not just in Israel.

Choosing kosher-certified brands like Osem is important for those following religious food guidelines. You can be assured Osem Couscous meets the requirements of a kosher diet.

Using Osem Couscous in Salads

The light, fluffy texture of Osem Couscous makes it an excellent addition to salads. It pairs well with both cold salads and warm composed salads. Here are some tips:

• Chill cooked couscous before using in cold salads so it doesn’t wilt the other ingredients.
• Toss with vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, or tangy citrus juices.
• Mix in crunchy vegetables, ripe fruits, and fresh herbs.
• Couscous salads hold well in the fridge for several days. Just moisten with a bit of dressing if needed before serving.
• For warm salads, stir in hot cooked vegetables, meats, or beans along with dressing.

Some delicious salads to try are Greek couscous salad, Moroccan carrot and chickpea salad, kale and quinoa salad with couscous, and broccoli slaw with couscous. The options are endless!

Nutritional Info for Osem Couscous

Here is the nutritional information for a 1/4 cup dry serving of Osem Original Couscous:

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbs: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 6g

Key benefits:

• High in complex carbohydrates for energy
• 6g protein per serving
• Good source of dietary fiber
• Fat-free and cholesterol-free
• No added sugars

Couscous is higher in carbs so pair it with lean proteins and veggies for balanced nutrition. The whole wheat variety has even more fiber.

Osem Couscous Price

Osem Couscous has an average price of $2.50 to $3.50 for a 10 to 16 ounce box. Here are some tips for saving:

• Buy in bulk when possible – Larger bags can be under $2 per pound
• Look for sales and coupons at major grocery chains
• Shop at stores like Aldi and Save-A-Lot for discounted pricing
• Purchase plain instead of flavored varieties
• Compare across stores including ethnic markets which often have low prices
• Consider ordering online from sites like Jet or Amazon Subscribe & Save if on a budget

With the right shopping strategy, you can stock up on Osem Couscous without breaking the bank!

Buying Osem Couscous in Bulk

Osem Couscous is often available in bulk sizes at warehouse clubs and online:

• Costco – Carries giant 2 lb bags at value prices.
• Sam’s Club – Stocks 1 lb bags in select locations and online.
• Amazon – Prime Pantry lets you buy multi-packs with free delivery.
• Boxed.com – Specializes in bulk grocery delivery.
• Jet.com – Discount site with free shipping over $35.

When stored properly in an airtight container, dry couscous can last 6-12 months. The bulk sizes let you save money and always have it on hand. You can portion it out yourself into meal-sized baggies or jars.

Are There Preservatives in Osem Couscous?

Osem Couscous contains no artificial preservatives. According to the ingredient list, the only ingredients are:

• Durum Wheat Semolina
• Water
• Canola Oil
• Salt
• Vitamins and Minerals

It does contain naturally occurring vitamin E mixed tocopherols as an antioxidant to help prolong shelf life. But no artificial preservatives are used.

Osem uses timed baking and drying processes along with airtight packaging to prevent spoilage. This allows their couscous to stay fresh on the shelf without chemical additives.

Storing Leftover Osem Couscous

Cooked Osem couscous stores well for later use. Follow these storage tips:

• Let couscous cool completely before refrigerating.
• Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
• To reheat, add a little water or broth and microwave or saute until hot.
• Freeze couscous for longer storage. Allow to thaw in fridge then reheat.
• Add fresh herbs and seasonings before serving to restore flavor.

With proper storage methods, leftover couscous should retain its fluffy texture for several days. It’s great for quick weeknight sides and lunches.

Osem Couscous vs. Israeli Couscous

Osem is an Israeli-style couscous, meaning it is:

• Larger pearled grains, about 4mm wide
• Made from durum wheat semolina like traditional couscous
• Produced in Israel along with other Middle Eastern foods

By comparison, traditional Moroccan couscous consists of:

• Tiny granules just 2mm wide
• Semolina and sometimes some flour
• Often mixed with aromatic ingredients like saffron

While both are wheat-based and follow a similar cooking method, Israeli pearl couscous like Osem has a heartier, chewier texture. Its larger size also gives it visual appeal.

Tips for Fluffy, Separated Couscous

Getting each couscous grain perfectly separated and light is easy with these tips:

• Make sure to stir the couscous as soon as it hits the hot liquid to prevent clumping.
• Use a fork after steaming to gently break up any stuck grains.
• Add a touch of oil to help separate the pearls.
• Allow it to steam undisturbed during the sitting period.
• Resist over-stirring or you’ll turn it to mush.
• Fluff with a fork right before serving to maximize fluffiness.

Properly cooked Osem couscous should be tender but still have a pleasant bite to each pearl. Follow package directions and use a light hand for best results.

In Summary

From its origins in Israel to easy preparation and recipe versatility, Osem Couscous is a fantastic pantry staple. This buying guide covers everything from identifying the best deals to cooking tips for perfect grains every time. With such a quick cooking time and mild flavor, Osem Couscous is ideal for both simple sides and elaborate entrees. Keep this one-stop resource handy as you explore the wide world of couscous!