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Home » Recipes » Mediterranean Recipes

Lemon Herb Couscous

Published: Jan 8, 2021 · Modified: May 17, 2023 by Samantha Ferraro · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.

A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.

Back Pocket Recipes

I'd like to call this a 'back pocket recipe', aka recipes that you don't have to think about and go good with all sorts of main dishes. I have a handful that I can whip up at a moments notice; creamy polenta or a classic roast chicken are recipes we all should know by memory. And this simple lemon herb couscous is one of them.

Couscous Ratio

For every 1 cup of couscous, you need 1 ¼ cup of liquid.

Couscous vs. Pearl Couscous

Traditional couscous is made from semolina and is much finer and grain-like that cooks relatively quickly, in just as long as it takes water to boil.

Pearl couscous, also called Israeli couscous is made from semolina and wheat flour and is shaped like little pearls and takes a bit longer to cook, about 10 minutes.

Here are a Few Israeli couscous Recipes:

  • Charred Salmon with Lemon Herb Israeli Couscous and Fava Beans
  • Israeli Couscous with Roasted Vegetables
A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.

How to cook Couscous

Add couscous to a small pot and place over low-medium heat. Use a spatula to toast the couscous for a few minutes, making sure all the kernels are lightly toasted.

Pour out couscous and reserve to a bowl and set aside. In the same pot, add liquid (vegetable or chicken stock) and bring to a low boil.

Once boiling, add lemon juice and pour in couscous and give it one good stir. Turn heat off and place a lid on the pot. Let couscous absorb stock for about 10 minutes.

Then remove lid and fluff with a fork to separate the kernels. Mix in chopped herbs and serve.

A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.

What to Serve Couscous With

  • Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Olives
  • Herb and Citrus Roasted Salmon
  • Turkish Kofta Kebabs
A simple recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to other Mediterranean dishes.

Lemon Herb Couscous

Samantha Ferraro

LittleFerraroKitchen.com

A simple four ingredient recipe for lemon herb couscous that takes nearly 15 minutes and is a fantastic side to Mediterranean dishes.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean, Moroccan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 166 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock low sodium preferred
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Small handful of fresh herbs roughly chopped (any combination of parsley, mint, cilantro)

Instructions
 

  • Add couscous to a small pot and place over low-medium heat. Use a spatula to toast the couscous for a few minutes, making sure all the kernels are lightly toasted.
  • Pour out couscous and reserve to a bowl and set aside. In the same pot, add liquid (vegetable or chicken stock) and bring to a low boil.
  • Once boiling, add lemon juice and pour in couscous and give it one good stir. Turn heat off and place a lid on the pot. Let couscous absorb stock for about 10 minutes.
  • Then remove lid and fluff with a fork to separate the kernels. Mix in chopped herbs and serve.

Notes

Couscous is highly customizable, a few ideas are:
Adding ½ teaspoon of turmeric or saffron for color and flavor.
Sauté chopped shallot and garlic before toasting the couscous. 
Top couscous with toasted pine nuts of slivered almonds.

Nutrition

Calories: 166kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 6gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 298mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 156IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let us know by leaving a comment and 5 star rating!

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Hi, I'm Samantha! I started this blog for my love of world cuisine and cultural flavors! You’ll find everything here from Jewish recipes, Middle Eastern, Italian and more!

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