Description
This lemon Parmesan pearl couscous is a bright, creamy, and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of proteins or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pearl couscous
- 2 ¼ cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the pearl couscous and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until the couscous is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- This dish is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
