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Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Mushrooms

October 26, 2016 by thefitchen 96 Comments

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This Israeli couscous recipe with spinach and mushrooms is a delicious weeknight dinner option. Other vegetables can be added as desired. The couscous is incredibly simple to cook and perfect for meal-prep. 

Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Mushrooms

Israeli couscous! This is another first for me. Have you ever tried it? When I bought some last week, I wasn't quite sure how to cook it.

But guess what? The process is simpler and quicker than I expected. In fact, it takes about the same amount of time as boiling pasta. Easy peasy, people.

And easy peasy is exactly what we need right now. Because it's the middle of the week and this little food blog has been a hot mess for the past couple of days. (I thought it was a good idea to change the design.) (It wasn't a good idea to change the design.) *Face palm*

Since we're riding the struggle bus tonight, we're keeping it simple.

We're learning how to cook some tender, toasted Israeli couscous. Sautéing it with whatever we have left in the fridge, which happened to be spinach and mushrooms.

Then we're mixing it all together and calling it dinner.

Delicious, simple, comfort food dinner.

Israeli Couscous

Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Mushrooms in pan wooden spoon

I love the savory, hearty combination of spinach and mushrooms alongside the fluffy couscous. But my favorite part?

Israeli couscous tastes like miniature pasta balls – because basically, that's what couscous is. A lot of people seem to think it's a whole grain, but it's not. And that's ok. We still love it.

I love it so much that I order the 5 pound bag of it to keep our pantry stocked. Buying in bulk is the way to go – it's so much cheaper in the long run! 🙌

The main difference with Israeli couscous is that it's best to toast it slightly before hand. Just heat some oil, stir it until it starts to smell fragrant, and then add water or broth. This simple trick adds incredible depth to the flavors of any dish.

This could be served as a side for a whole family or as a main for 1 or 2 people. You could even add tofu or chicken if desired.

Since you know how to cook it now, I recommend making a big batch because it's perfect for meal prepping. I store it in my favorite Pyrex containers to keep it fresh all week. You can eat it cold or reheat it – it's delicious either way!

Make this Israeli couscous recipe ASAP and share it on Instagram! I love sharing your creations on our story!

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Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Mushrooms

Israeli Couscous with Spinach and Mushrooms


★★★★★

5 from 20 reviews

  • Author: Jordan Cord
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x
Print Recipe
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Description

This recipe for Israeli couscous puts dinner on the table in 25 minutes. It's mixed with a savory blend of sautéed garlic, mushrooms, and spinach.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Saute

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups baby portobello mushrooms
  • 6 cups spinach
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth

Couscous

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup Israeli couscous
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

Spinach and Mushrooms

  1. In a large pot, bring 2 tablespoons of oil to medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until they are softened and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
  2. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Add spinach, salt and pepper, and broth and stir to combine. Cover and cook until spinach is wilted. About 5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Couscous

  1. In a medium pot, bring 2 tablespoons of oil to medium heat. Pour in the couscous and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 2 minutes, until the couscous starts to smell toasted.
  2. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  3. Once boiling, decrease the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain off excess liquid.
  4. Combine couscous with spinach and mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

*I'm not an expert at cooking Israeli couscous. There are several ways to make it. But this is my favorite way and in my opinion, the simplest!*

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Main

Nutrition

  • Calories: 312
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cindy

    January 14, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Very earthy and hearty! I loved it and had everything on hand to make it.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  2. Long

    January 13, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    Made this tonight for dinner and let me just say there are no leftovers. SO DELICIOUS!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Jill

    January 12, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    Super enjoyable. I added about a tablespoon of crumbled goat cheese upon serving just because for me, goat cheese improves almost everything.

    Reply
  4. Jill Taylor

    January 23, 2020 at 11:46 am

    Delicious! The second time I made this I didn't have mushrooms but substituted sliced cherry tomatoes tossed in just before serving.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      January 24, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      That sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing your substitute. :)

      Reply
  5. MaryBeth

    December 23, 2019 at 6:01 am

    Can it be made ahead and reheated

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      December 25, 2019 at 7:51 am

      Of course!

      Reply
  6. Karina

    November 18, 2019 at 7:02 pm

    Delicious, easy to follow instructions, thank you my family loved it

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      December 02, 2019 at 9:47 am

      Good! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
      • Destri

        December 03, 2019 at 4:28 pm

        One of my favorites! I just added chicken chunks and made a whole meal :)

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • thefitchen

          December 04, 2019 at 8:38 am

          Yay! I'm so glad you like it! I add chicken sometimes, too. :)

          Reply
  7. Holly

    September 18, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Second time making this wonderful dish! We love it!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      September 23, 2019 at 9:42 am

      Awww yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  8. Mishca-Leigh

    September 06, 2019 at 8:51 am

    Will definitely be making this again! Such a delicious dish hmm

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      September 23, 2019 at 9:44 am

      Awesome – so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
      • Ramsey

        February 20, 2020 at 12:35 am

        Absolutely amazing!!! I just made this for the second time today. First time I made for my bf and I and he absolutely loved it too! The mushrooms, onions, and spinach are so tasty in this dish. And omg paired with the texture of this couscous - so so delicious. I could eat this everyday. Thank you so much for this recipe! <3 :))

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • thefitchen

          February 20, 2020 at 11:02 am

          Ahhh yay! I'm so happy to hear that you guys liked this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. <3

          Reply
  9. CBI

    June 07, 2019 at 7:40 am

    Terrific, flexible base layer for any protein or to add to a green salad. Would be great with addition of clementines or mandrins, preserved lemons, nuts like pistachios, pine nuts, almonds or walnuts. Would be great with cinnamon, tomato, and eggplant. Thank you.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      June 12, 2019 at 3:07 pm

      Thank you for your feedback! We just made this again last night with protein and I'm eating the leftovers for lunch. It really is so versatile!

      Reply
  10. Holly Pillsbury

    April 28, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    This was excellent!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      May 05, 2019 at 8:51 am

      Awesome, Holly! I'm so glad you enjoyed. :)

      Reply
  11. Mary

    March 24, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    I've made your version of couscous twice now. I have used mushrooms, onions and added a small eggplant (chopped). It's been a hit with me and with my family. Thanks so much for posting it.

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      March 30, 2019 at 10:19 am

      Hi Mary! I'm so glad you like this couscous – love your idea of adding eggplant! :)

      Reply
  12. Yara

    February 01, 2019 at 1:07 pm

    Came across this recipe and made it today- it was DELISH! I love toasting the couscous a bit first also YUM. My fussy toddler ate a whole plate. Only thing I sprinkled some fresh lemon juice on top when done.
    I may try and sneak in some peas next time for added veggies - he’ll never know ;)

    KEEPER! Thanks for the recipe

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      February 04, 2019 at 8:46 am

      Ah! I love that your toddler ate this, too! So cool. I know for a fact that it's good with peas – enjoy!

      Reply
    • thefitchen

      March 08, 2019 at 11:12 am

      Ahhh yay! I'm so thrilled to hear that you AND your toddler enjoyed this couscous. I bet peas would be an amazing addition!

      Reply
  13. Raul

    January 03, 2019 at 8:30 am

    I come from Lebabese ancestors, so this lovely pasta is a staple in our diet. Instead of portabella mushrooms, I hydrate chanterelle mushrooms in white wine, at low heat, for 5 minutes, drain the mushrooms and save the left over hydrating liquid which I add to the vegetable broth, then follow the rest of your recipe. To finish it off add some crumbled feta cheese as a garnish. Yummm.

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      January 03, 2019 at 12:02 pm

      Oooooh I love the idea of chanterelles! Your changes sound so delicious! :)

      Reply
  14. Susan

    November 21, 2018 at 8:54 am

    I added chicken breast pieces which I cooked in olive oil until browned and removed to a bowl. Then using the same pan, I added a little more oil and sauteed the vegetables as directed, chicken was added back when broth and spinach were incorporated. To top it off, I added freshly grated parmesan cheese. The family loved it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      December 01, 2018 at 9:40 am

      Yum! That sounds like an amazing healthy dinner. :)

      Reply
  15. Ro

    September 16, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    I make this all the time with boxed couscous and I usually add hummus, cucumbers, and sometimes falafel. Super delicious and easy

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      September 19, 2018 at 9:40 am

      Yummmm! Love those additions!

      Reply
  16. Mrs Bray

    May 14, 2018 at 5:47 pm

    Love this, even my non spinach eating husband requests this once a week.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  17. Erin

    May 04, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Thanks for a delicious recipe! Just wanted to point out (truly not trying to be a jerk here, I promise) that the reason couscous tastes like delicious little pasta balls is because that's *exactly* what it is! Couscous is pasta by a different name. I'm not opposed to pasta at all -- I LOVE noodles! -- but I've found that some of my nutrition coaching clients think that couscous is a whole grain, similar to quinoa. It's not! But it's still healthy in moderation and delicious in my mouth, so.... forks up! ;-)

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      May 07, 2018 at 10:55 am

      Correct! I used to think couscous was a whole grain as well – until I actually started cooking it. It is definitely delicious!

      Reply
  18. Anne Lawton

    April 30, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    This looks like my kind of side dish full of veggies and healthy grains!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      May 01, 2018 at 8:31 am

      Yes! All of the best things!

      Reply
  19. Femi. O

    April 29, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    I feel you so much on the blog design struggle so good job pushing through! I'm such a fan of couscous and mushrooms so having them in the same recipe is the absolute!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:36 am

      Whew... blog design stresses me out! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
  20. lauren

    April 29, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    Such a great, flexible side or main dish! This is perfect for the jar of Israeli couscous I have in the cabinet. Baby portobellos are my favorite, love the texture and they're just darn cute.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:37 am

      Yes! Same here. I could eat them almost every meal!

      Reply
  21. Sara

    April 29, 2018 at 8:05 pm

    What a delicious combination of flavors! I know this will be a well received addition to dinner!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:37 am

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  22. Anne Murphy

    April 29, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Oh, my! I made cous cous for years, and never toasted it - how interesting! And I love it because it is so fast and easy... and delicious! We all need meals like that! (And hey - you cannot possibly go wrong with spinach and mushrooms, as far as I'm concerned.)

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:37 am

      You have to try it! It definitely adds a different flavor to the dish – I love it! Agreed on the spinach and mushrooms!

      Reply
  23. Mo

    April 29, 2018 at 5:02 pm

    Question? Where can I get the nutrition information? We are calorie watching and would like to know the serving size and calories please

    Reply
  24. Kitty

    April 29, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    I bought a contained of Israeli couscous and it's been sitting in my pantry because I didn't' know what to do with it. Now I know! Thanks!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:38 am

      Yusssss!! You definitely have to try this recipe with your couscous.

      Reply
    • Niki

      March 17, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Red onions,
      Mushrooms,
      Chicken strips,
      Pine nuts,
      Garlic,
      Spinach,
      Ras el hanout,
      Couscous.
      What's not to love!

      Reply
      • thefitchen

        March 22, 2019 at 6:43 am

        Nice! You changed quite a few things – I'm glad it was good!

        Reply
  25. Madi

    April 29, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    This sounds so incredible! I love anything with couscous!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:38 am

      It's so good!

      Reply
  26. Kim @ Berly's Kitchen

    April 28, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    Israeli couscous is one of my all time favorites! This is awesome with the mushrooms and spinach. Perfect for a healthy dinner. :)

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:38 am

      Same here! We eat it several times per week. :)

      Reply
  27. Andrea @ The Petite Cook

    April 28, 2018 at 9:21 am

    What a great ingredients combo! I love Israeli couscous, I definitely need to try this asap!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:38 am

      I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  28. Michelle

    April 28, 2018 at 8:10 am

    Yum! I love toasted couscous it has such a lovely nutty flavour. And anything with mushrooms and I'm in!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:39 am

      Yes! Toasting adds so much flavor!

      Reply
  29. Eileen Kelly

    April 27, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    I love quick, easy and healthy meals and this is definitely one of those. The meal comes together quickly and using the veggies in the fridge make this super versatile. A winner!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 30, 2018 at 9:39 am

      This checks all of the boxes! It's perfect for busy weeknights!

      Reply
  30. Jenni

    April 26, 2018 at 6:54 pm

    What a fantastic weeknight meal! I love couscous, and with all those veggies! YUM!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 27, 2018 at 10:50 am

      Yes! It's one of our favorite easy dinners!

      Reply
  31. Susan

    March 29, 2018 at 9:11 am

    Looks delicious and colorful. I plan to make for a group of "foodies"

    Susan

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      March 31, 2018 at 9:43 am

      Yay! I'm sure they'll enjoy!

      Reply
  32. M. Nelson

    March 13, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    Can this be made as a salad for the summer? Any suggestions as to how to turn it into a cold dish?

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      March 15, 2018 at 11:28 am

      Oh definitely! I would suggest mixing it with a bit of extra olive oil after its cooked to keep it from clumping together. I eat it cold all of the time, regardless!

      Reply
  33. Amie

    February 21, 2018 at 11:41 pm

    Can this be made with regular couscous?

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      February 25, 2018 at 7:06 pm

      Hi Amie! You could certainly try it with regular couscous. I've never tried that before so I'm not sure how it would work out.

      Reply
  34. cindy

    February 09, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    could I add. little feta at the end? when it is room temp?

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      February 09, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Sure! I'm sure that would be a yummy addition!

      Reply
  35. Gemma

    February 03, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    Fun game: read this blog and find all the words that the writer left out. I understand that it’s a casual food blog, but some of these sentences just don’t make sense with words missing!

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      February 03, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      Hi Gemma –

      I have a fun game for you – it's called "try not being a negative bitch." We built this "casual food blog" from the ground floor into a full-time income. Leaving one word out of a 400-word post is the least of my concerns. Cheers!

      Reply
      • Margan

        March 05, 2018 at 3:23 pm

        LOL. ^^ This recipe turned out great, btw. Thank you for the info!! :)

        ★★★★★

        Reply
  36. Janick

    January 16, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    Tried it tonight for my family, they loved it ! Thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      February 06, 2018 at 5:00 pm

      Awesome! I'm so glad you all liked this recipe! :)

      Reply
  37. Zanetta

    December 06, 2017 at 7:06 am

    I'll have to try couscous. I like that you added mushrooms and spinach and I saw another reader added cilantro and lemon. It's so versatile and adds such a bang to your meal. Thanks for reminding us of this little gem.

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      December 06, 2017 at 11:01 am

      Oh my gosh it's so good! One of my favorite sides to make. :)

      Reply
  38. Melanie McNamara

    July 07, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    This was a big success ...my hubby loved it and I did also. I used broccoli instead of spinach and some corn....a bit of fresh cilantro and lemon. This is a recipe that you could substitute many different veggies and healthy and fabulous.

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      June 06, 2018 at 7:57 am

      I'm so glad you and your hubby both liked this recipe! Love the modifications – there are so many ways to switch this recipe up.

      Reply
  39. Grace

    April 23, 2017 at 5:19 pm

    Took long time to find how to make showed error go to homepage

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      April 25, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      Hi Grace! Sorry about the issues getting to the recipe. I think I've corrected the problem! Thanks. :)

      Reply
  40. Amy E

    March 24, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    There is no mention when the onion needs to be sautéed. I did mine with the garlic at the beginning to give it time but thought it odd there wasn't a specific area to add it.

    Reply
    • thefitchen

      March 25, 2017 at 11:02 am

      Hi Amy! So sorry about that. I accidentally omitted it. I prefer to sauté the onion first, until translucent and then add the garlic.

      Reply
      • Twila

        March 29, 2017 at 5:35 pm

        How many servings is this recipe?

        Reply
        • thefitchen

          March 30, 2017 at 4:45 pm

          This recipe serves between 2 and 3 people. :)

          Reply
  41. Kristina

    December 19, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    I made this with a splash of lemon at the end. Delicious.

    Reply
  42. Jenni

    October 31, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    This looks so delicious!

    Reply
  43. Anna

    October 28, 2016 at 1:11 am

    I love Israeli couscous! One of my favorite things, the fact that they're little miniature pasta-like balls is probably the reason haha so addicting!
    I've never tried toasting them before, but I definitely will now. Thanks for the tip :)

    Reply

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