What Sauces Go With Couscous? Answered!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Are you tired of the same old boring couscous?

Well, it’s time to spice things up with some saucy goodness! Whether you’re a fan of tangy vinaigrettes or creamy sauces, there’s a couscous companion out there that’s just waiting to be discovered. 

Without any further ado, let’s dive straight in… 

What Sauces Go With Couscous?

Here’s the quick and simple answer… 

Some classic sauces for couscous include harissa, traditional tomato, pomegranate, and Lebanese garlic. 

If you’re looking for something that’s super quick to make, you might want to consider 3-ingredient lemon honey sauce, tahini, or a simple vinaigrette. 

Read on to find out more about these tasty sauces, including easy recipes to try at home, and some extra hints and tips for turning bland couscous into a bold and vibrant meal. 

Classic Couscous Sauces

Harissa Sauce

Harissa is a spicy and aromatic Tunisian sauce made from a blend of chilli peppers, spices, and garlic.

To make your own Harissa sauce, you’ll need:

  • dried chillies (preferably a mix of mild and spicy ones)
  • garlic cloves
  • olive oil
  • ground cumin
  • ground coriander seeds
  • caraway seeds
  • lemon juice
  • salt

Soak the dried chillies in warm water for about 30 minutes, then drain and chop them.

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.

Harissa sauce pairs beautifully with couscous, adding a wonderful kick to its mild flavour.

Traditional Tomato Sauce

A classic tomato sauce is another excellent option for serving with couscous.

For a simple yet delicious version, you can follow these steps:

  • Heat some olive oil in a saucepan
  • Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until soft
  • Mix in chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs (such as basil, oregano, or thyme)
  • Let the sauce simmer for around 20 minutes, then serve it over your perfectly cooked couscous

Pomegranate Sauce

If you’re craving something a bit more sweet and tangy, a pomegranate sauce is a fantastic choice.

You’ll need:

  • pomegranate juice
  • honey
  • fresh lemon juice
  • cornstarch

In a saucepan, combine the pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it thickens.

If needed, mix some cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

Drizzle this lovely sauce over your prepared couscous to add a fruity twist to your dish.

Lebanese Garlic Sauce

A creamy and savoury Lebanese garlic sauce, known as Toum, is a magnificent addition to your couscous.

To make this sauce:

  • Combine several peeled garlic cloves, salt, and a bit of water in a food processor
  • Blend until the garlic becomes a smooth, slightly fluffy paste
  • Gradually add vegetable oil and lemon juice in alternating intervals while the food processor is running, until you reach a thick, creamy consistency

Spoon your homemade Lebanese garlic sauce over your couscous for a rich and flavourful boost. 

Simple and Quick Sauces

In this section, we will explore three easy-to-make sauces that are perfect for adding flavour to your couscous dishes.

These options require minimal ingredients and time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

3-Ingredient Lemon Honey Sauce

This 3-ingredient lemon honey sauce is a delightful addition to any couscous dish. The brightness of the lemon combined with the sweetness of honey creates a perfect balance of flavours.

To make this sauce, you will need:

  • Juice of one lemon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Simply whisk all the ingredients together. Once your couscous is cooked and ready, drizzle the sauce over your dish, and enjoy the vibrant flavours.

Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is a versatile and delicious option for spicing up your couscous recipes. It adds a creamy, nutty flavour that complements the fluffy grains perfectly.

To make this sauce, you will need:

  • ½ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Once your couscous is cooked, drizzle the tahini sauce over the dish and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

Simple Vinaigrette

A simple vinaigrette is an excellent multipurpose sauce to elevate your couscous dishes. Its tangy and zesty flavour profile complements the grains while keeping the dish feeling light and fresh.

To make this vinaigrette, you will need:

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Adjust the seasonings as needed. Once your couscous is cooked, drizzle your simple vinaigrette over the dish and mix gently to coat the grains.

Couscous Flavours and Spices

When it comes to elevating the taste of couscous, the right combination of flavours, spices, and herbs can also make all the difference.

In this section, we’ll explore some popular spices and flavours that you can use to enhance your couscous dish.

Couscous has a mild taste on its own, which makes it a perfect canvas for a variety of bold ingredients.

One way to add depth and complexity to your couscous is by incorporating spices such as cumin, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.

If you’re after a bit of heat in your dish, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes to achieve that desired warmth.

Herbs play a vital role in bringing freshness and brightness to couscous. A few herbs that work wonders with couscous include parsley, coriander, and mint.

These herbs not only add a burst of colour to your dish, but they also contribute distinct flavours that complement the spices and other ingredients in your recipe.

A simple yet effective way to bring out the flavours in your couscous is by using a vinaigrette sauce.

A classic vinaigrette, made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, pairs beautifully with couscous and can easily be adapted with other ingredients like lemon juice or garlic.

To make your couscous even more appealing, consider adding a variety of textures and flavours, such as dried fruit, nuts, and vegetables.

These ingredients contribute to a well-rounded and satisfying dish that will not only taste divine but look just as exquisite on your plate.

Remember, as you experiment with different spices, herbs, and flavours, always start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste buds. This will allow you to find your perfect balance between the variety of ingredients and ensure your dish is a true culinary masterpiece.

Happy cooking!