Couscous cheesecloth. There is little archaeological evidence of early diets including couscous, possibly because the original "couscoussier" was probably made from organic materials that could not survive extended exposure to the elements. The couscous that is sold in most Western supermarkets has been pre-steamed and dried. It is typically prepared by adding 1.5 measures of boiling water or stock to each measure of couscous then leaving covered tightly for about five minutes. Pre-steamed couscous takes less time to prepare than regular couscous, most dried pasta, or dried grains (such as rice). In Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Libya, couscous is generally served
Couscous with vegetables (carrots, potatoes, turnips, "etc.") cooked in a spicy or mild broth or stew, and some meat (generally, chicken, lamb or mutton). In the Sahelian countries of West Africa, such as Mali and Senegal, pearl millet is pounded or milled to the size and consistency necessary for the couscous. In Algeria and Morocco it is also served, sometimes at the end of a meal or just by itself, as a delicacy called ""sfouff"". The couscous is usually steamed several times until it is very fluffy and pale in color. It is then sprinkled with almonds, cinnamon and sugar. Traditionally,