Lemon Herb Baby Couscous

Make this super easy baby couscous side dish to go with your main. It’s quick, flavorful, and a great way to use up your herbs. It’s the perfect no effort 15 minute side dish to this Instant Pot Fish.

How will this side dish make your life easier?

Ever heard of baby couscous? Me neither. It’s really just a cute name for regular couscous. But isn’t it a cute name that intrigues you to try it? Couscous is great because you boil water, add couscous and let it sit for a few minutes. Boom you’ve got an easy grain.

It’s great with Instant Pot Fish, added to this Spinach Strawberry Salad (don’t knock it ’till you try it), Pan Seared Salmon with Summer Salad, or a Pork Chop + Kale, Apple, & Pecan Salad.

What makes it so good?

• Couscous
• Chicken bouillon
• Lemon juice
• Parsley/herbs

How do I make lemon herb baby couscous?

Bring 3/4 cup water to a boil. Once water is at a rolling boil, turn off heat and remove pot from heat.

Expert Tip: Don’t have chicken bouillon, use 3/4 c of chicken broth or stock instead of water and chicken bouillon.

Add 1/2 c couscous, 1/2 tsp chicken bouillon, and 1/4 tsp salt to boiling water. Stir and cover for 5 minutes. Chop 1-2 T of parsley leaves, set aside.

Expert Tip: Completely remove parsley leaves from stalks, they’re tough and don’t taste that great.

Remove lid and stir to fluff couscous. Once all water has been absorbed, add in parsley leaves and 1 T of lemon juice. Stir together and serve with your main dish immediately.

Expert Tip: Add parsley slowly and taste if you’re not sure how much parsley you’d like in it.

Expert Tips

• Don’t have chicken bouillon, use 3/4 c of chicken broth or stock instead of water and chicken bouillon.
• Completely remove parsley leaves from stalks, they’re tough and don’t taste that great.
• Add parsley slowly and taste if you’re not sure how much parsley you’d like in it.

FAQ

Is couscous pasta or rice?

Couscous is made of durum wheat, the same wheat as pasta, so it’s just really small pasta beads. Because it’s made from the same wheat as pasta, it tastes just like pasta.

Is couscous a healthy food?

I recommend eating a variety of foods. You can choose whole grain couscous for a bit more protein and fiber, but any couscous is great. Instead of focusing on eating just healthy foods, as a registered dietitian, I’d actually recommend focusing on eating lots of different delicious foods that meet your convenience needs. You can learn more about my approach to nutrition by listening to this podcast I recorded on Intuitive Eating, or checking out my nutrition services page. (I do work with nutrition clients).

Do you rinse couscous before cooking?

No you don’t need to rinse it. Treat it like pasta (except you boil the water, then add couscous after turning off the burner when cooking it).

What can I make with leftover ingredients?

• (parsley/herbs) Add to your pasta like this 15 Minute Pasta recipe, Instant Pot Lentil Stroganoff, or Parchment Packet Baked Salmon.
• (lemon) 5 Minute Strawberry Sauce, Pan Seared Pork Chops w/ Potatoes & Veggies, or this Shaved Zucchini Salad with Corn & Feta.

Did you make this lemon herb baby couscous? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!

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