Super-Easy Couscous and Veggies Recipe

Couscous has always been one of my go-to's for a quick meal. I mean, it couldn't be easier to whip up, and it's a nice piece-of-mind that I'm eating something healthy too. But let's face it: it's pretty tasteless. So here's a simple recipe for whenever you need a quick, healthy fix with a little bit of flavor. You can actually add any veggies you have around your kitchen and play around with the recipe as much as you want. I'm just suggesting my favorites here. And I've made the recipe even easier by using just ONE pan -- Seriously! Quick, healthy, and fewer dishes? Com'on, can't beat that, right? So here we go:

Serves 4-6 ; about 15-20 mins

1 cup dry couscous
2 cups of fresh baby spinach
¾ cup corn
¾ cup peas
½ cup grape tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon dried basil
⅟₈ teaspoon dried oregano
⅟₈ teaspoon dried Parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper flakes (optional)
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Make sure all of your frozen veggies, if any, are thawed before starting. If you have to stick them in the microwave and nuke them for a few seconds, then by all means.

Read directions on the couscous container to see how much to water to boil it in. Usually it's 1 to 1 (a cup of water per cup of couscous) on a high stove but better to be safe than sorry. Remember to cover the pot when boiling. Add a little salt to taste. Be careful not to walk away from it too long; those little grainy-looking pieces are going to plump up quickly and absorb the water - probably around 3-5 minutes. To check if they're done, just stick a fork into it to make sure they stick together in clumps. Then strain the couscous, put into the bowl you'll be serving it in, and cover it. We'll be back with the couscous later

In the same pot, put in the olive oil in the same pan turned to medium heat. Then add the garlic. Don't cook the garlic too much, just before it browns, about 2 minutes. Oh yeah, now we're getting somewhere. Now add the baby spinach leaves. If your pan isn't big enough, you can put in half, wait until it wilts, then add the other half. Stir constantly until spinach is completely wilted about 2 minutes. Then add the corn and peas. Stir occasionally for about a minute. Then add tomatoes and stir again for about a minute. Then add basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper and the red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

Turn the heat completely off. Add the couscous to your pan again and stir until everything is completely combined and serve. I like adding a little bit of Parmesan cheese on top just for a little extra salty flavor, but that's completely optional.

Enjoy!