1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Fresh Couscous with Lemon

Lemon Couscous

Featured in Perfect Companion Dishes.

Quick lemon couscous with fresh herbs. 5 minutes preparation plus 10 minutes soaking time. Perfect side dish for 4 servings.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 22:05:00 GMT
Lemon Couscous Pin it
Lemon Couscous | magichouserecipes.com

An aromatic lemon couscous combines fine grains with fresh citrus aroma and savory herbs for a versatile side dish. The combination of juicy grains and lemony freshness makes it the perfect accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Couscous: Light base
  • Organic lemon: Intense aroma
  • Fresh parsley: Color and flavor
  • Vegetable broth: For seasoning
  • Olive oil: Smooth grains
Lemon Couscous – Fruity, Savory and Quickly Made Pin it
Lemon Couscous – Fruity, Savory and Quickly Made | magichouserecipes.com

The Path to Perfect Couscous

Create flavor base
  • Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil
  • Bring broth to a boil and stir in couscous
Achieve perfect consistency
  • Let steam for exactly 10 minutes
  • Fluff with a fork
Intensify flavor
  • Grate lemon zest and squeeze juice
  • Fold in parsley only at the end

Serving Suggestions

  • With grilled fish
  • With halloumi cubes
  • As Mediterranean vegetable side dish
  • Base for salad
Lemon Couscous – Refreshing, Light and Perfect as a Side Dish Pin it
Lemon Couscous – Refreshing, Light and Perfect as a Side Dish | magichouserecipes.com

Optimize Storage

  • Keeps in refrigerator for 3 days
  • Refresh with olive oil

This Mediterranean side dish impresses with its versatility and refreshing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Does the couscous need to be cooked?
No, it's enough to let it soak in hot broth. After 10 minutes it's perfect.
→ Why use organic lemons?
For lemon zest, you should use organic quality, as untreated peel tastes better and is healthier.
→ Can I use other herbs?
Yes, mint, cilantro or a mix of Mediterranean herbs also work well.
→ How long does the couscous keep?
In the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Briefly warm before serving and possibly mix in some olive oil.
→ What dishes go well with this?
Perfect with grilled vegetables, meat or as a base for a salad. Also very delicious cold.

Fresh Couscous with Lemon

Light couscous with fresh lemon and parsley. A quick Oriental side dish for many meals.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main components

01 250g couscous (about 1½ cups)
02 600ml vegetable broth, hot

→ For flavor and aromatics

03 1 medium onion, finely diced
04 1 garlic clove, minced
05 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 1 organic lemon, zested and juiced
07 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 02

Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a separate pot. Place the couscous in a large heatproof bowl, pour the hot broth over it, give it a quick stir, then cover with a plate or lid and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 03

While the couscous is steaming, zest the lemon and squeeze out its juice. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then fold in the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the chopped parsley. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Notes

  1. Couscous doesn't require cooking - it simply needs to absorb hot liquid, making this a perfect quick side dish or base for a main meal.
  2. Always use organic lemons when incorporating zest into your dishes to avoid pesticide residue.

Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan or pot
  • Microplane or zester
  • Citrus juicer or reamer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (couscous is made from wheat)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 8 g