Couscous and Peas is a quick and easy side dish made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or freezer. This light and fluffy couscous with sweet green peas is ready in 10 minutes or less and pairs well with a wide range of main dishes.

What To Serve With Couscous
I tend to think of couscous along the same line as rice, even though it’s actually pasta. Teeny tiny pasta made from crushed wheat flour that has been moistened and tossed to achieve a grain-like appearance.
Because of this textural and visual similarity to rice, couscous is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of cuisines. Some of the dishes we’ve enjoyed with this side include Twice-Baked BBQ Tofu and Vegan Teriyaki Meatballs – both flavorful mains that pair well with the simple, buttery flavor of couscous and peas.
Ingredients for Couscous and Peas
You will need the following:
- Couscous – Regular Moroccan couscous cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well. Pearl couscous will need a longer cooking time.
- Broth – Chicken-style broth gives more flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option too.
- Butter – A little butter adds richness. Can be omitted or swapped for olive oil if needed.
- Frozen Peas – No need to cook separately. Just thaw and stir in for color and sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Adjust to taste once everything is mixed.
How To Make Couscous and Peas
STEP ONE: Boil the broth with the butter. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken-style broth and butter. Bring to a boil, then stir in the couscous.
STEP TWO: Add the couscous. Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Allow the couscous to stand for 5 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps.
STEP THREE: Add seasonings and peas. Season with salt and ground black pepper and stir in the thawed peas. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Fluffy Couscous
- Fluff with a fork right after steaming to avoid clumps.
- Don’t overcook the peas; just stir them in while warm.
- Let the couscous sit for a few minutes, covered, after removing from heat for the best texture.
More Easy Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love!
- Cauliflower Rice with Cilantro and Corn
- Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Bread Crumbs
- Skillet Broccoli with Garlic
- Pan Fried Asparagus
- Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa
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Couscous and Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup chicken-style broth
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
Instructions
- Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chicken-style broth and butter. Bring to a boil then stir in the couscous.
- Cover the pot and remove it from the heat. Allow to couscous to stand for 5 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Use a fork to fluff the couscous, breaking up any clumps.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper and stir in the thawed peas.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm or room temperature.
Nutrition
This post was updated on April 4, 2025.
Haf
This is so easy and tasty. I swapped the salt with lemon juice and it was great to fuel me before a big workout!
thiswifecooks
Thank you! Nice swap!
Wonderful cook
Fabulous recipe! I am so happy with the flavor of this dish. Love an easy recipe that’s super impressive. Thanks.
thiswifecooks
Thank you so much! I love the simplicity of this dish.😊