Calories in Couscous
Couscous is the favorite dish of the French according to several surveys. This complete North African dish with semolina, vegetables and meats contains about 600-750 kcal for a generous plate. It is a hearty but balanced meal in macronutrients.
Nutrition table
| Nutrient | 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 8.0 g |
| Carbs | 18.0 g |
| Sugar | 3.0 g |
| Fat | 5.0 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
| Salt | 0.80 g |
* Values may vary depending on preparation and product origin.
Variations
Calories by preparation method
| Preparation type | Calories | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Royal couscous | 750 kcal | With merguez, chicken and lamb |
| Chicken couscous | 550 kcal | Lighter, single meat |
| Vegetarian couscous | 400 kcal | Only vegetables and chickpeas |
| Plain couscous semolina | 170 kcal | For 100g cooked semolina |
Diet tips
Couscous can fit into a diet with some adjustments. Prefer chicken or vegetarian version, limit semolina (the most caloric part), and serve yourself generously with vegetables. Avoid very fatty merguez sausages.
About Couscous
Couscous is a traditional dish from the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) adopted by France. It consists of durum wheat semolina, vegetables (carrots, turnips, zucchini, chickpeas), and meats (lamb, chicken, merguez). Spiced broth (harissa) accompanies it all.
Detailed Nutritional Values
Couscous is a balanced dish: carbohydrates from semolina, protein from meats and legumes, fiber from vegetables. Fat varies depending on meats chosen (merguez = fatty, chicken = lean).
Tips for a Balanced Meal
To enjoy couscous:
- Limit semolina to 150-200g
- Prefer chicken over merguez
- Serve yourself generously with vegetables
- Broth is very low calorie
- One couscous is enough for the main meal