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Parmesan Spinach Couscous Recipe

4.8 from 63 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. 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.
  4. Fluff couscous: After the couscous has absorbed the water, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
  5. 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.
  6. 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