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How to Cook Couscous
Follow this step-by-step guide for how to cook couscous in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients. It makes a great side to accompany your favorite protein or use it in soups and salads.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 239 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mediterranean , Moroccan
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry instant couscous
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Optional: 1 tbsp of red pepper flakes and/or lemon zest
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, add one tablespoon of the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for just 20-30 seconds until garlic is aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the chicken broth or vegetable broth along with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil, about 3-5 minutes.
- Then, add the couscous and stir using a wooden spoon. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let it sit for 8-10 minutes or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer the couscous to a medium or large bowl and then add the lemon juice, remaining one tablespoon of olive oil, and chopped parsley.
- Taste to see if you need to adjust salt, and sprinkle some more if needed. Serve and enjoy.
- Optional toppings, red pepper flakes, sliced green onions, toasted pine nuts, and toasted sliced almonds.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in a covered bowl or airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 5 to 7 days.
- To reheat: Reheat with a splash of water or broth in the microwave, or on the stovetop, until warm.
- Freezing: Couscous also freezes well! Keep it plain for freezing; don’t include other ingredients such as herbs until serving. To freeze, transfer to a freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for a day.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
239kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
35g
(12%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Sodium
606mg
(25%)
Potassium
157mg
(4%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
0.3g
(1%)
Vitamin A
316IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
22mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 239
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 239kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Sodium | 606mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 157mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 316IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.