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    Home » Recipe Index » Pasta Dishes » Lemon Herb Baby Couscous

    Lemon Herb Baby Couscous

    July 20, 2020 Updated September 15, 2020 By Rebecca Pasta Dishes, Side Dishes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    couscous with parsley on a pink plate with text overlay
    couscous with herbs on a pink plate with text overlay

    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.

    couscous on a pink plate with lemons in back

    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?

    ingredients on a table for baby couscous
    • Couscous
    • Chicken bouillon
    • Lemon juice
    • Parsley/herbs

    How do I make lemon herb baby couscous?

    black pot with water in it

    Bring ¾ 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 ¾ c of chicken broth or stock instead of water and chicken bouillon.

    couscous and water in a black pot

    Add ½ c couscous, ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon, and ¼ teaspoon 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.

    cooked couscous with herbs in a black pot

    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 ¾ 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).

    couscous with herbs on a pink plate

    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!

    couscous on a pink plate with lemons in back
    Print Pin
    5 from 4 votes

    Easy 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 for fish, pork chops, and chicken.
    Course side, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes
    Servings 2 people
    Author Rebecca

    Equipment

    • Measuring Cups
    • spoon
    • Small Saucepan with Lid

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup water
    • ½ cup couscous
    • ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1-2 tablespoons chopped parsley leaves or other herbs (rosemary, dill, etc)

    Instructions

    • Bring ¾ cup water to a boil. Once water is at a rolling boil, turn off heat and remove pot from heat.
    • Add ½ c couscous, ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon, and ¼ teaspoon salt to boiling water. Stir and cover for 5 minutes. Chop 1-2 T of parsley leaves, set aside.
    • 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.

    Notes

    • Don't have chicken bouillon, use ¾ 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.
    • Serve with Instant Pot Fish

    Want to get more single serving recipes delivered to your inbox? Click here to download my Single Serving Cookbook.

    « Steak and Shrimp Fajitas
    Easy Instant Pot Fish »

    About Rebecca

    Welcome! I’m Rebecca, a food loving dietitian. On Nourish Nutrition, you’ll find real, quick, and nourishing recipes for one that'll get you to want to cook for yourself, because you deserve it.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andrea Metlika says

      July 20, 2020 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      We love couscous. Will definitely be trying this one.

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 20, 2020 at 8:44 pm

        so true!

        Reply
    2. Toni says

      July 20, 2020 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      I love the lemon flavor of this couscous! So refreshing!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 20, 2020 at 8:45 pm

        isn't it?!

        Reply
    3. Jenn says

      July 20, 2020 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      What a fabulous side dish! So much flavor from just a handful of ingredients. This is a new favorite, for sure!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 20, 2020 at 8:44 pm

        awesome! thanks

        Reply
    4. Marlynn says

      July 20, 2020 at 9:51 am

      5 stars
      This is such a light and yummy side dish for any meal. Love how quick & easy it is to make!

      Reply
      • Rebecca says

        July 20, 2020 at 8:44 pm

        totally! thanks

        Reply

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    Rebecca, MS, RDN
    of Nourish Nutrition

    At Nourish Nutrition, you'll find bold, flavorful recipes for one. Most are single serving, and all have suggestions to use up the leftover ingredients so you can stop throwing away unused ingredients & leftovers!

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