Couscous with Cilantro
Brighten up your table with this aromatic and flavorful Couscous with Cilantro recipe—a quick and easy side dish that’s bursting with fresh herbs and zesty citrus. Fluffy couscous is infused with a harmony of fresh cilantro, tangy lemon juice, and the warm undertones of ground cumin, while a hint of garlic and optional red chili flakes add subtle complexity. Ready in just 20 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, complementing mains like grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or fish. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this vibrant and healthy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1.25 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cups fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, bring 1.25 cups of water, 0.5 teaspoons of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a boil.
Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of couscous.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the couscous sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
While the couscous is resting, finely chop 0.5 cups of fresh cilantro and mince 1 clove of garlic.
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork to separate the grains.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed couscous, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 0.5 teaspoons of ground cumin, 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoons of red chili flakes if desired.
Mix everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, olive oil, or lemon juice.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
449 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.7 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1499 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.8 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 207 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
