Description
This Parmesan Spinach Couscous recipe is a quick and flavorful side dish made with tender couscous, sautéed onions, garlic, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal or as an elegant accompaniment to your favorite protein, it combines wholesome ingredients and savory flavors in just 26 minutes total.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry couscous
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 10 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care to avoid browning the garlic.
- Prepare Couscous: In a separate pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the dry couscous and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir once, then immediately remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the water and become tender.
- Fluff Couscous: After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate grains and prevent clumping.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked couscous, salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach to the sautéed onion and garlic mixture in the saucepan.
- Cook Together: Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Feel free to substitute baby spinach or add other greens like kale or arugula.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a vegetarian main with added legumes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
