Description
Lemon Parmesan Pearl Couscous is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring pearl couscous toasted with garlic, then simmered in chicken stock and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon juice. This dish is perfect for a light, comforting meal or an elegant accompaniment to your favorite protein.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) pearl couscous
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
- 1 cup (1 ounce) freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the garlic and couscous: Melt the butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the pressed or minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the garlic’s aroma without burning it. Add the pearl couscous and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the couscous is lightly toasted and golden.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and add the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the couscous is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the couscous needs more liquid to finish cooking, add 1/4 cup of additional chicken stock or water as needed.
- Finish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Lemon Parmesan Pearl Couscous warm as a delightful side dish, perfect alongside meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- To enhance the lemon flavor, add a little lemon zest along with the juice.
- If you prefer a richer taste, use unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly.
- Pearl couscous is also known as Israeli couscous and can be found in most grocery stores.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness and color.
