I have been on a big couscous kick lately.
It is so versatile, quick, and easy. I love that! And the kids really like it too. I used it in the Shrimp with Couscous post a few weeks ago, and I have another post coming up soon that also features couscous. So if you like couscous, you are in luck! 😉
I toasted the pine nuts that are in this dish, however, you can use them un-toasted, or even skip them altogether. They add a nice nutty crunch to the dish, but they also add fat and calories, so just eliminate them from the recipe if you are trying to keep the calories to a minimum.
I used pre-cooked sausage to save time, and made sure it was the chicken Italian sausage to keep it as lean as possible. My family enjoyed the chicken sausage and they never even knew it wasn't traditional sausage.
As you already know if you are a regular reader, I love to add fresh spinach whenever possible for extra nutrition, and it really works well in this dish! It adds a nice color and flavor and the kids did not mind it at all. However, they did try to convince me that they did not need to eat a side vegetable since there was a vegetable in the main course. HA! I didn't fall for that one. 🙂
I also love to use whole grains where I can, so I chose a whole wheat couscous for this dish. But, you could use any type of couscous that cooks in 5 minutes.
Thing 2 rating = 4.5 biscuits out of 5. YES!!
Sausage Couscous with Spinach and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 12-16 ounces pre-cooked chicken Italian sausage (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 5 ounces (approximately) fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups whole wheat couscous
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted, toast in the oven at 375 degrees until golden, about 10 minutes)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion starts to soften.1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add chicken broth, salt and pepper, and stir to combine while heating.2 cups chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- Bring to a boil, then add the sausage.12-16 ounces pre-cooked chicken Italian sausage
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sausage is heated through.
- Add the spinach, and stir until it begins to wilt.5 ounces (approximately) fresh baby spinach
- Add the couscous, cover and remove from heat.2 cups whole wheat couscous
- Let sit until the couscous absorbs all the liquid, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork, sprinkle the pine nuts on top, and serve.¼ cup pine nuts
Nutrition
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Renee
This was amazing and my very very picky child asked for seconds. I used regular smoked beef sausage, left out the pine nuts and added red pepper flakes to my bowl.
Kristin
Those are great ideas. So glad you like this! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Heather Who Needs a Cape?
Healthy and delish are my favorite combo's! This looks great!
Thanks for putting it on Super Sunday at Who Needs a Cape!
Kristin
Love your Super Sunday party. Will make it a point to come back regularly. Thanks for hosting! 🙂
Diane Balch
This is my family's kinda meal.. love the pine nuts and the healthy chicken sausage. Thanks so much for sharing this with us on foodie friday. We hope to see a lot more of you.
Kristin
Thanks, Diane! I will definitely make it a point to stop by again! 🙂
Jersey Girl Cooks
Love this dish! Sausage spinach and pine nuts sound like a perfect combination.
Kristin
Thanks Lisa! The family really did love it. We will be having this on a regular basis from now on! 🙂