By Karen Sevong MScFN RD CDE
Photo by Addilyn Ragsdill on Unsplash
When it comes to keeping meals exciting, enjoyable and simple, this ingredient is ready to join your kitchen pantry as the next staple. Couscous are tiny, fluffy grains that build the foundation for those quick and tasty kidney friendly dishes. These little granules of pasta are packed with energy and makes a great choice for the following:
- Quick to cook: It is ready within minutes and can be easily prepared ahead of time for those busy nights!
- Versatile: The possibilities are limitless to spice it up, and it absorbs all the flavors.
- Make it an extra savory base by cooking it with no salt added or low sodium vegetable/chicken broth.
- Zest it up using some citrus for a pop of flavor. It goes well with lemon juice, fresh herbs such as dill, chives or parsley to garnish and stirred after cooking. Olive oil and black pepper to finish the dish is an option.
- Add in texture and extra fibre when pairing it with a variety of suitable vegetables based on your individualized kidney disease healthcare plan.
- Top it up with protein for a satisfying meal, including vegetarian sources such as lower sodium chickpeas or non-vegetarian options such as leaner meat and fish based on individual needs.
- Low in potassium: It contains a lower amount of potassium compared to other grain products based on the amount of cooked portion. This means for those with individualized recommendations and concerns with low potassium alternatives, this could be a great substitute (consult with your healthcare provider for specific details).
- Use couscous as a base to pair with kidney-friendly vegetables and proteins. More specific considerations for those requiring lower potassium based on amounts, some examples such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and cauliflower.
- Low in phosphorus: Another win! It is a low phosphorous option without phosphorous additives and can be helpful based on individualized recommendations from the healthcare team
Tips to carry forward and food for thought that :
- Read labels: Double check the sodium content for broths if using to cook and any additional ingredients used
- Cooking amounts: The amount used in cooking dishes to be kidney friendly makes a difference. In general, roughly 1 to 1.5 cup of cooked couscous before additional toppings appear to be a low potassium and phosphorus option that is kidney friendly for those requiring this recommendation.
Couscous is a fantastic, quick and easy way to add variety and flavor to your meals. Have fun and experiment with flavors to pair with your favourite kidney friendly options in the kitchen!
Some recipe inspirations: