Couscous with spinach, onions and tomatoes is simply fresh and flavorful. This is a perfect side, light lunch (add protein!) and go-to all year round.

…The Backstory continues: This delicious dish is flavorful, satisfying and healthy alternative to white pastas and rice. As always, my mantra has always been that everything in moderation is perfectly acceptable, but in the fast food/food court world in which many of us live, the portion sizes for pastas and rice are so great, that I don’t often recommend them unless you are doing the cooking yourself. Even then, there are plenty of more satisfying and tasty ways to go. More of the Backstory after the recipe…

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Couscous with Spinach, Onions and Tomatoes

Light, fluffy couscous gets plenty of flavor from garlic oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, chicken stock, and tons of texture from spinach and onions for a delicious side dish or light lunch.

Course Lunch, Salad, Sides

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp garlic infused olive oil*
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach (thawed, well-drained)
• 2 cups instant couscous
• 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 3 cups tomatoes, choppes

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add onions and cook until softened.
2. Add the broth and spinach. Bring to a boil.
3. Add in the couscous and stir to combine.
4. Remove pan from heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
5. Toss in remaining ingredients.

Recipe Notes

* Garlic infused olive oil can be substituted with 1 tbsp. olive or canola oil plus 1 tsp. fresh minced garlic.

…The Backstory continues: This dish, on the other hand, is full of delicious flavors, textures, and savory ingredients that are sure to please. This is also a perfect recipe to make for a crowd or to bring to a pot luck or holiday gathering where you need to bring something in a fairly large quantity. Simply double the recipe (rather inexpensive to do so), and I promise, everyone will be asking you for the recipe. It is also perfect as a side dish for chicken, fish, or meat, and just as filling as a light lunch or snack.

You can find this recipe and many more in my latest cookbook, Healthy Meals for Your Busy Life. In my new book, I’ve created a collection of delicious and satisfying meals from Orange Cinnamon French Toast with Strawberry Sauce to Poached Pears in Fruit Juice – -that you can prepare in 30 minutes or less. I know you’ll love them and that they’ll leave you feeling full, satisfied, and happy that you’ve made healthful choices that didn’t sacrifice on taste!

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Franceen Friefeld, RD., LD., P.H.Ec.

Franceen is one of country's leading voices in nutrition and health with 30 + years of experience as a senior food management executive, author, speaker, and TV host. Fran's followers adore her because she believes you should be able to have your kugel and not feel guilty about it. Her recipes, humor, and realistic approach to enjoying food and cutting through the hype of fad diets and quick fixes are what make her approach to a balanced lifestyle loved by so many.

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