Description
Make this simple, flavorful couscous entirely in one pot for fast cooking and minimal cleanup. It achieves a creamy texture infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry couscous (not instant)
- 1 3/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
- Stir in the dry couscous and toast it for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
- Remove the lid. Fluff the couscous gently with a fork.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), Parmesan cheese (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until the couscous becomes creamy.
- Fold in the fresh parsley and chives. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the dry couscous for an extra minute before adding the liquid.
- If you do not have fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning mixed in with the broth.
- To make this dish richer, add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 15