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Home » Meals » Lunch & Dinner » Spinach Couscous

Spinach Couscous

July 16, 2024Leave a Comment

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Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach. via @thiswifecooks

Spinach Couscous ~

An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.

Serve with Baked Falafel or Lemon Dill Tofu.

Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Side Dish
  • Ingredients for Spinach Couscous
  • Ingredient Notes 
  • How to Make Spinach Couscous
  • FAQ for Spinach Couscous
  • Storage
  • More Spinach Recipes You’ll Love!
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  • Spinach Couscous
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition

Mediterranean-Inspired Side Dish

I like this Spinach Couscous because it can be served warm as an easy side dish or chilled for a refreshing salad. Toss in some chickpeas or Baked Tofu to turn this side into a main dish. 

Pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, forms the base of this dish. Unlike its smaller counterpart, pearl couscous has a pleasantly chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the tender spinach. The addition of sautéed onions and garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavors, while a touch of butter adds richness.

Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.

Ingredients for Spinach Couscous

You will need the following:

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup pearl couscous
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach, by weight, thawed and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Ingredient Notes 

  • Pearl couscous: Also known as Israeli couscous, this pasta-like grain is larger and pearl-shaped and has a chewier texture than traditional couscous.
  • Frozen spinach: Convenient and often more economical than fresh. Be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
  • Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation. Can be substituted with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the couscous.

How to Make Spinach Couscous

STEP ONE: Cook the Couscous. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil. Add the pearl couscous and butter. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain off any remaining liquid and set aside.

STEP TWO: Sauté the Onion. Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.

STEP THREE: Add Garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

STEP FOUR: Combine Spinach. Stir in the thawed and drained spinach, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.

STEP FIVE: Putting it Together. Add the cooked couscous to the spinach mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

STEP SIX: Adjust and Serve. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.

FAQ for Spinach Couscous

  • Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You’ll need about 1 pound of baby spinach leaves. Cook them in the skillet until wilted before adding the couscous.
  • Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if needed to prevent drying out.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This couscous is great for meal prep and makes for a nice light lunch the next day. 
Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.

More Spinach Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Chickpea Spinach Rice
  • Spinach Asparagus Frittata
  • Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
  • Greek Spinach Pie (Spanakopita) 
  • Spinach Orzo Salad

Follow This Wife Cooks on Flipboard | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest

Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.
Spinach Couscous ~ An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.

Spinach Couscous

An easy and budget-friendly Mediterranean-inspired dish that blends hearty pearl couscous with savory spinach.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: dairy free, healthy, quick and easy, spinach, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 224kcal
Author: Holly Gray
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup pearl couscous
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 10 ounces frozen spinach by weight, thawed and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring water to a gentle boil. Add the pearl couscous and butter. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain off any remaining liquid and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the thawed and drained spinach, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
  • Add the cooked couscous to the spinach mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste and serve

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8319IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
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Filed Under: Easter, Lunch & Dinner, Mother's Day, Pasta Night, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: dairy-free, pasta, quick and easy, spinach, vegan, vegetarian

Previous Post: « Summer Squash Flatbread
Next Post: Tomato Orzo Salad »

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