Easy One-Pot Creamy Lemon Herb Couscous
Make a flavorful, creamy couscous dish using only one pot. This recipe features bright lemon and fresh herbs for a quick weeknight side or light meal.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry pearl couscous
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the dry pearl couscous and toast for 1 minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the milk, Parmesan cheese (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Cover the pot again and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the couscous to fully steam and absorb the liquid.
- Fluff the couscous gently with a fork. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill.
- Season with salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you do not have pearl couscous, use standard instant couscous, but reduce the simmering time to 5 minutes after adding the broth.
- Add cooked, shredded chicken or white beans at the end for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 5