COUSCOUS Krastev (Kus-kus) 400g

Fine wheat semolina granules with a light, fluffy texture and a mild, clean flavour — Krastev COUSCOUS (known as “kus-kus” across Bulgaria and the Balkans) is the fastest pantry grain you’ll ever cook: boiling water, five minutes, done.

About Krastev COUSCOUS (Kus-kus)

Made by Krastev (SIDI 92 EOOD) at their modern grain facility in Pleven, Bulgaria, this couscous is produced from high-quality wheat semolina flour and water — nothing else. The tiny granules are steamed and dried during production, which means they are partially pre-cooked and require only a brief soak in boiling water to reach the table. Each 400g bag is imported directly from Bulgaria and delivers consistent quality and clean flavour batch after batch.

In Bulgarian supermarkets and homes, couscous — always called “kus-kus” (кус-кус) — has become a beloved quick-cook staple alongside traditional rice and beans. Its neutral, slightly nutty flavour absorbs sauces, broths, and dressings beautifully, making it endlessly adaptable in the kitchen. No additives, no preservatives, no artificial colours — just pure semolina wheat crafted in Bulgaria.

How to Prepare It

Basic method (5 minutes): Measure equal volumes of couscous and boiling water (or hot broth) into a bowl or pot. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil or butter. Cover tightly and let stand for 4—5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately. The grains should be separate and light — never heavy or clumped.

Use Krastev COUSCOUS as a fluffy base for Bulgarian-style grilled meat and vegetable stews (gyuveche), as a quick side in place of rice alongside roasted chicken or lamb, as the grain layer in tabbouleh-inspired herb salads with parsley, tomato, and lemon, or stirred warm with butter, garlic, and dried savory (chubritsa) as a fast weeknight side dish.

What Makes It Special

Krastev is one of Bulgaria’s most respected grain and pasta producers, renowned across Eastern Europe and exported to Latvia, Greece, Turkey, and Japan. Their COUSCOUS uses only high-quality wheat semolina flour without any binders, flavour enhancers, or processing aids — two clean ingredients, reliably packaged. At just $1.50 for 400g, it is one of the most affordable authentic Bulgarian pantry imports in the Malincho range, making it an accessible everyday staple for families, restaurants, and delis.

Quick Facts

✓  Type: Fine wheat semolina couscous (kus-kus)
✓  Ingredients: Wheat semolina flour, water
✓  Brand: Krastev (SIDI 92 EOOD, Pleven, Bulgaria)
✓  Origin: Bulgaria (imported)
✓  Net weight: 400g (approx. 14 oz)
✓  Prep time: 5 minutes (boiling water method)
✓  Allergens: CONTAINS WHEAT (GLUTEN) — not suitable for celiac or gluten-free diets
✓  Additives / GMO: None
✓  UPC: 3800211640258
✓  SKU: SPcer131

Bulgarian Serving Tip

Bulgarian Kitchen Tip

For a quick Bulgarian-inspired weeknight dinner, fluff a portion of COUSCOUS with hot salted broth instead of plain water, then top it generously with a spoonful of warm lutenitsa stirred through with a drizzle of sunflower oil — the roasted pepper sweetness and the light grain texture are a natural match. Alternatively, cool the cooked couscous to room temperature, toss with diced tomato, cucumber, fresh parsley, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon for a Balkan-style grain salad alongside grilled meats or a plate of Bulgarian sirene cheese.

Pairs perfectly with: Lutenitsa Bulgarian Style Spread (SKU: LHDER), Krastev NARODEN White Beans (SKU: SpKrS01).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “kus-kus” — is it the same as couscous?

Yes. “Kus-kus” (кус-кус) is simply the Bulgarian and Turkish name for couscous — the tiny steamed granules made from wheat semolina that originated in North Africa and became a popular quick-cook pantry staple across Bulgaria, Turkey, and the wider Eastern Mediterranean. If you grew up calling it “kus-kus,” this is the product you know.

Is this couscous gluten-free?

No. Krastev COUSCOUS is made from wheat semolina flour and therefore contains gluten. It is not suitable for people with celiac disease, wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity. If you need a gluten-free alternative, please browse the other Krastev products at Malincho — both Krastev BISEREN Rice (SKU: SpKrS03) and Krastev NARODEN Beans (SKU: SpKrS01) are naturally gluten-free.

How do I cook this couscous?

Measure equal volumes of couscous and boiling water or hot broth into a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and a small knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Cover tightly with a lid or plate and let stand for 4—5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve. No stovetop simmering required — the couscous is ready in under 5 minutes from pouring the water.

What is couscous made from?

Couscous is a pasta product made from wheat semolina (coarsely ground durum wheat) and water. The mixture is rolled into tiny granules, steamed, and dried — which is why it cooks so quickly. Krastev COUSCOUS uses only two ingredients: high-quality wheat semolina flour and water, with no additives or preservatives.

Is couscous a grain or a pasta?

Technically, couscous is a pasta product — it is made by rolling moistened semolina flour into tiny granules rather than extruding or rolling it into flat sheets. Despite its grain-like appearance and the way it is typically served (as a side dish in place of rice), it is classified as a pasta product. Krastev sells it in their pasta and grains range at their Pleven, Bulgaria facility.

How many servings does a 400g bag provide, and is there a bulk option?

A 400g bag yields approximately 4—6 generous side-dish servings when cooked (couscous roughly doubles in volume after absorbing water). Malincho offers a 5% bulk discount when purchasing 12 or more bags (one full case of 4.8 kg), ideal for restaurants, delis, or households that keep this versatile Bulgarian pantry staple on hand.