Parmesan Spinach Couscous Recipe
This Parmesan Spinach Couscous is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy couscous cooked to perfection with sautéed onions, garlic, fresh spinach, and nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple but delicious recipe that combines tender vegetables and creamy cheese for a comforting meal accompaniment.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Grains and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups dry couscous
- 2 1/2 cups water
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
Dairy
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Sauté onion: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook couscous: In a separate pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the dry couscous along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir briefly, then immediately remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let the couscous steam for 5 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- Fluff couscous: After the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Combine and cook: Add the fluffed couscous, salt, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach to the pan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts slightly and the cheese melts in.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if you like.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute baby spinach or other greens like kale, but cooking time may vary.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Couscous cooks quickly; do not overcook or it may become mushy.
- Serve this dish as a side for grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
Keywords: Parmesan, Spinach, Couscous, Side Dish, Quick, Mediterranean