White Couscous
A simple, fluffy white couscous lightly seasoned with olive oil and fresh parsley. This quick-cooking grain is a perfect, kidney-friendly side for roasted chicken or fish, ready in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
Boil the water.
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt to a rolling boil over high heat.
Add the couscous.
Once the water is boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the dry couscous.
TIPStir quickly to ensure all the grains are moistened before they start to absorb the water.Cover and let stand.
Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let it stand off the heat for 5 minutes. The couscous will absorb the water and become tender.
TIPAvoid peeking! Keeping the lid on traps the steam, which is essential for perfectly cooked couscous.Fluff and season the couscous.
After 5 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains. Drizzle with olive oil, and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of black pepper.
Serve immediately.
Serve the fluffy couscous warm as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly separated grains, use a fork to fluff the couscous, not a spoon, which can make it mushy.
- 2Ensure your parsley is chopped very finely for the best distribution of flavor.
- 3You can toast the dry couscous in the saucepan with the olive oil for 1-2 minutes before adding water to enhance its nutty flavor.
- 4Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
For a zesty flavor, add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest along with the parsley.
healthyHealthy
To add some vegetables, stir in 1/4 cup of finely diced cucumber or bell pepper after fluffing the couscous.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
Use dried parsley instead of fresh if that's what you have on hand. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
As a simple carbohydrate, couscous provides a quick and easily digestible source of energy.
Low in Fat
This recipe is very low in fat, making it a light accompaniment to a main protein.
Kidney-Friendly Choice
White couscous is lower in potassium and phosphorus compared to other whole grains, making it a suitable option for a renal diet.
Frequently asked questions
White couscous is a source of carbohydrates for energy. It is lower in fiber than whole wheat couscous but can be a good choice for certain diets, like kidney-friendly plans, due to its lower potassium and phosphorus content.