Simple and Delicious Parmesan Couscous

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There aren’t many things better than parmesan cheese to pair with a grain.  Whether it’s arborio rice for risotto or couscous for this dish, it makes a lovely side to pair with most proteins.  My wife and I especially enjoy this delicious parmesan couscous with pan seared Chilean sea bass.

The best reason to make parmesan couscous is it’s quick and incredibly easy to make for how good it tastes.  I like to have couscous on hand because of how quickly it cooks.  When in need of a last minute side dish, it is perfect.

Easy Parmesan Couscous Recipe

Here are the simply steps to make some delicious parmesan couscous.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of couscous
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp of water
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano preferably)
• 1 tbsp butter

For the best overall flavor I recommend grating your own cheese from a block of Parmigiano Reggiano. If you want even more flavor you could add half grated pecorino Romano. While you can make this with a container of mass produced American style Parmesan cheese. The difference between American style Parmesan cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano is how regulated the production of it is. For cheese to be called Parmigiano Reggiano it must come from a certain area of Italy and can only contain certain ingredients. This lends itself to a higher quality, more consistent product. Freshly grating is also keeps you from consuming anti blocking agents added to American Parmesan cheese.

For the couscous, I recommend using the smallest style, also called Moroccan couscous. If you prefer more chew to your grains then you can use pearl, or Israeli, couscous which is a medium size couscous.

Step by Step instructions for making Parmesan couscous

Step 1: Boil Water

Bring the water and butter to a boil in a medium pot over medium high heat.

Note: the extra 2 tablespoons might seem random, but I’ve found this extra water helps prevent the couscous from sticking to itself when fluffing the fork after cooking. The butter will also help act as an anti-sticking agent.

Step 2: Add Couscous

Slowly add the couscous to the boiling water while stirring with a fork or whisk.

Step 3: Bring Back to a Simmer

Place the lid on the pot and wait 15-30 seconds for the pot to start simmering again.

Step 4: Remove from Heat

Once simmering again turn off the heat and move the pot away from the heat source.

Step 5: Wait

Wait 5 minutes

Step 6: Fluff the Couscous

After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork

Step 7: Add the Parmesan to the Couscous

Add the parmesan cheese and stir together

Step 8: You’re Done!

Serve and enjoy your delicious parmesan couscous