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Do you make couscous? You are going to love this delicious 15-Minute Parmesan Couscous recipe today. Let’s learn how to make couscous so that you’ll have another delicious side dish to serve for dinner.

Couscous on a white plate
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If you are looking for an Easy Mediterranean Recipes try this simple side dish. It is easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. The simple ingredients makes this side dish a family favorite.

What is Couscous? 

Couscous is a grain similar to quinoa or rice.  However, it is crushed and formed into small spheres for easy serving.  There are many different varieties of couscous.

I think it tastes similar to rice but has more of a nutty flavor.  Also, it takes less time to cook than rice or quinoa so I love having it on hand so I can make a quick and easy side dish for my family is under 15 minutes.

If you are looking for another light a delicious side dish, I recommend my garlic lime steamed asparagus. Anyway, let’s get back to the recipe and continue to learn how to fix couscous.

Ingredients

Couscous Ingredients - whole wheat couscous, chicken stock, olive oil, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, italian parsley

You just need a few common ingredients to cook couscous.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

Feel free to add in flavors or ingredients to your couscous. Here are some delicious additions.

  • Lemon Juice
  • Tomatoes
  • Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
  • Lemon Zest
  • Raisins
  • Feta Cheese
  • Red Onion
  • Fresh Herbs

Step by Step Instructions

Adding the butter, broth, oil and seasoning to a large pot

Step 1 – First in a medium saucepan, bring the broth, olive oil, one tablespoon of butter and seasonings to a boil.  These ingredients will resemble boiling water.

Adding the uncooked couscous to the pot of broth mixture

Step 2 – Then add the cup of dry couscous one at a time into the boiling mixture.  Next stir quickly to combine, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.  Then remove from heat and turn off heat as it will not longer be needed for this recipe

Adding the seasoning to the bowl of couscous

Step 3 – After this time, remove the couscous from the pan and add couscous to a large bowl.  Next add the rest of the butter (I cut mine up so that it will melt quicker), parmesan cheese and parsley.

Couscous in a bowl with bowls of seasonings

Step 4 – Use a fork to fluff the couscous until the butter is melted by the couscous steam and everything is evenly combined. This may take a minute or two. Add seasoning to taste.

Recipe Tips

  • Seasoning – Adjust the seasonings to taste. You can add more salt and or pepper until it suites your tastes.
  • Serving Size – This makes a large portion and will easily feed 6-8 people depending on portion size. This works great for my family, but if you prefer a smaller amount, you could easily cut the recipe in half.
  • Couscous Type – Also, I used whole wheat, but you can use any kind of couscous. Make sure you check the amount of liquid instructed for the brand of couscous you buy. My couscous was a 1:1 ratio, but each type may be different.
Couscous in a bowl with bowls of seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Here are some of my favorite recipes to serve with this delicious and easy couscous side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Couscous?

Yes, freeze the prepared couscous after it has cooled to room temperature. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat with a little water.

Couscous on a white plate with a fork

More Easy Side Dishes

We love hearing from you. If you make this Easy Couscous Recipe, please leave us a comment or star review.

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How to make Couscous Recipe

4.96 from 21 votes
how to make couscous recipe – you have to try this easy parmesan couscous recipe for your next dinner. Your family will love couscous!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 334

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat couscous
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (roughly chopped)

Instructions

  • In a medium size pot, bring the broth, olive oil, one tablespoon of butter and seasonings to a boil.
  • Add the couscous, stir quickly to combine, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the cooked couscous to a large bowl.
  • Add the rest of the butter (I cut mine up), Parmesan cheese and parsley.
  • Using a fork to fluff the couscous until the butter is melted and everything is evenly combined. This may take a minute or two. Make sure you don’t use a spoon, because it will make the couscous clump together rather than keeping it light and fluffy.
  • Adjust the seasonings to taste. You can add more salt and or pepper until it suites your tastes.
  • This makes a large portion and will easily feed 6-8 people depending on portion size. This works great for my family, but if you prefer a smaller amount, you could easily cut the recipe in half.
  • Also, I used whole wheat, but you can use any kind of couscous. Make sure you check the amount of liquid instructed for the brand of couscous you buy. My couscous was a 1:1 ratio, but each type may be different.

Recipe Notes

This Couscous recipe makes a tasty side dish for just about any meal!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 334kcal, Carbohydrates 51g, Protein 12g, Fat 11g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 17mg, Sodium 296mg, Potassium 78mg, Fiber 5g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 265IU, Vitamin C 1.5mg, Calcium 99mg, Iron 2.1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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  1. 5 stars
    I love this. I hadnt cooked couscous much before and my husband wasn’t that fond of it. I used vegetarian stock cubes instead of chicken, only because I like the taste more. We had this tonight with mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and it was a big success. My husband loved it. I didn’t tell him it was couscous until after he tasted it!!!!! Thanks, I could live on this. Yum!!!