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Parmesan Spinach Couscous Recipe

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3.8 from 12 reviews

This Parmesan Spinach Couscous recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish combining tender couscous with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for a nutritious and satisfying addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 medium white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry couscous
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan with the onion and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring continually until fragrant.
  3. Boil Water: In a separate pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boiling point.
  4. Prepare Couscous: Once the water is boiling, add the dry couscous along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir quickly to combine, then immediately remove the pot from heat and cover it.
  5. Let Couscous Steam: Allow the couscous to sit, covered, for 5 minutes so it can absorb the water fully.
  6. Fluff Couscous: After 5 minutes, uncover the pot and fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Add the fluffy couscous, 1 teaspoon salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic.
  8. Cook Together: Cook everything over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts slightly and the cheese melts.
  9. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the dry couscous in the saucepan with olive oil before adding boiling water.
  • Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Add some freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Use low-sodium broth instead of water to enhance flavor if preferred.