Roasted Garlic Couscous with Tomatoes, Dill, Onion, and Spinach
I don’t normally share a lot of personal stuff on my blog… I am not sure why because I am usually an open book. I found out this week that my cat has cancer and it’s only a matter of time before I will need to put her to sleep so she doesn’t suffer. I am devastated by this news. She has been a loyal and wonderful cat for nearly 14 years and I find myself so terribly depressed at the thought of her not being around for much longer. She has been kind, funny, stubborn, loving, and so very loyal. Please send good thoughts to my Casey girl … Thank you!
Cuddling with Casey while reading today… the photo was taken by my daughter
On with the recipe:
I made this side dish to go with the Salmon with Garlic, Lemon, and Dill I made for dinner last night. I was going to use plain couscous but when I searched my pantry I only found a roasted garlic couscous so I used that instead. This recipe couldn’t be more simple (which is good because I really don’t feel like cooking right now). I prepared the couscous per the instructions then I added diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped spinach, and fresh dill. It was a light, flavorful, and delicious side dish that paired wonderfully with the salmon.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Couscous with Tomatoes, Dill, Onion, and Spinach
Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil then add the couscous. Cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes or until couscous is starting to get golden brown. Add the water or broth then prepare the couscous per instructions. Side Note: If you want the couscous to be more flavorful use chicken broth instead of water.
Once the couscous has finished cooking, fluff with a fork then toss in the tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and dill. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Stir until well combined. Serve immediately. Enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of olive oil
- 1 box of Roasted Garlic couscous prepared per instructions (use broth to cook for more flavor)
- ¼ cup of grape tomatoes diced
- 2 tbsp red onion diced (soak in cold water if they are too strong in flavor)
- 2 tbsp baby spinach chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp of olive oil then add the couscous. Cook, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes or until couscous is starting to get golden brown. Add the water or broth then prepare the couscous per instructions.
- Side note: If you want it to be more flavorful use chicken broth instead of water.
- Once the couscous has finished cooking, fluff with a fork then toss in the tomatoes, red onion, spinach, and dill. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Stir until mixed well. Serve immediately. Enjoy.
I am so sorry to hear about your lovely pet! She looks so sweet… I can only imagine the worry and sadness… losing a pet is like losing a member of the family 🙁
So sorry to hear about your kitty. I have 4 of my own and the thought of someday losing them is unbearable. I hope that the time you have left together is full of snuggles and kisses.
Very sorry — you are in my thoughts.
So sorry to hear about your pet cat, Pam. I can only imagine how devastating the news must have been.
Hugs !
I am so sorry about your cat, animals worm their way into your heart and when things go wrong they become members of the family. Miracles do happen keep praying.
Love this couscous but I have never seen roasted garlic couscous. Diane
I’m so sorry, Pam…having a sick pet is never easy. Hang in there.
Aw, Pam…so sorry about Casey. Our animals mean the world to us, don’t t they?
I have been a faithful reader for a very long time and your recipes always, always, always inspire me. Some have even become family favorites! (cue the fried rice!)
xoxo,
Cindy
Hi Pam! I am so sorry to hear about Casey. I am sending some white light to her to heal her and help the tumor to shrink. Give her lots of hugs and love, (which I’m sure you’re doing) as it will help the both of you!
xoxo,
Jackie
I’m so sorry to hear about Casey. I’ll hug my Stella a little tighter as soon as I get home today. This salad looks fresh and delish.
Oh, Pam- I am so sorry about your beloved cat Casey. Our pets really become part of the family, don’t they? I am sending love and virtual hugs your way and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Pam, I’m so very sorry to hear about Casey – I have three cats myself and don’t know what I would do if your shoes. I do know there is nothing I can say that will help, but I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Enjoy the time you do have with her and remember all the wonderful times. Big hugs!!!
I am soooo sorry to hear about Casey…she looks just like my cat Tigre. I totally feel your pain!! HUGS and prayers for you and your sweet baby!
I am so sorry to hear about your Casey. I have recently had to deal with a similar situation with my dog, Chip. Sending big hugs. Sweet picture 🙂
Pam, so sorry to hear about your cat. Our pets are members of the family and losing them is very hard.
so sorry to hear about your kitty. Pets are definitely part of the family. I had to put my cat down many years ago so I know how it feels. 🙁
I am so sorry. We adore our cat, and I can only imagine the pain you are going through. You will be in my thoughts! I’m glad I found your blog. Your recipes all look so delicious. But at a time like this, I know your heart must be elsewhere. Thank you for sharing.
Pam I’m so very sorry to hear about your cat! I can’t imagine how you are feeling right now. She is a cutie. Take some time off from cooking and give Casey some extra TLC 🙂
What a sweet picture of you and Casey. She looks like a such a lovely girl. I lost my dear kitty of 14 years not quite 2 years ago. Having to put him to sleep was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. But the memories are good and they sustain. Best wishes to you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. We had to put our cat to sleep a couple of years ago, it was a rough thing to do.
Pam, I´m sorry so much.
This salad looks fresh and delicious.
So sorry to hear about your cat. Enjoy the time left with her and cherish the memories of years past. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about your Casey. Our pets become a sweet member of our family and losing them is heartbreaking. Hang in there. I’m lifting you and your family up in prayer.
After 14 years, Casey’s like a furry kid. I’m so sorry she’s ill. I hope she is comfortable for whatever time she has left; I know she’ll continue to be happy, because you are clearly such a loving person. My heart goes out to you.
this looks delicious, i love mediterranean foods. i make a similar version with chickpeas and parsley and lemon and all. so refreshing and light.
Pam, my heart goes out to you at this time. It is never easy saying goodbye to our four-legged friends. Just remember that you and your family have given Casey 14 years of a wonderful life. She is lucky to have all of you to be there with her. Godspeed.
I’m so sorry about your cat. Pets are like family members. Sending all my love your way.
So sorry about Casey….It’s a family member and we all have lost a loved little furry family member as some time…I love your blog, read daily and try some things and learn things. Keep your chin up and blog on!!! Thank you daily.
I feel so bad about Casey but happy she has you. Just do what you’re doing, love her and make sure she doesn’t suffer. Lost a few dogs to cancer and miss them still. They were loved to the end. God bless you, Casey.
So sorry to hear about your Casey’s illness. I’m not even going to mention the C-word because I believe like @ Diane said miracles can happen : ) I’ll keep praying for your girl. Even if it’s her time she knows she was loved and had a wonderful life with yall! Thanks for always giving us great recipes : )
I’m so sorry about Casey. When I had to put my dog Sandy to sleep, the vet said that doing that would be my last & best act of love that I could ever do for her. She had had a stroke, but her heart was strong! The thing was, it would not have been an enjoyable way for her to live. I’ll be thinking good thoughts for BOTH you & Casey.
I’m sorry to hear about your kitty — it’s always sad when you lose (or are about to lose) a pet. Hang in there and enjoy your time with Casey.
There is no other way to say it except it sucks and I’m sorry.
I’m so sorry about Casey. We just had a growth surgically removed from our 4 year old cat and biopsy results said it’s a fibrosarcoma, with a high probability of returning. It sucks doesn’t it?
As a long time reader and fan, I want to say that I’m so sorry about your kitty. I have 2 dogs, and they are my babies. I can’t even think about losing them without tearing up. Pets become our family. I’m thinking about y’all!
I am so sorry to hear about your cat. It so hard when something like this happens.
Pam, losing a pet is so hard. I’m very sorry. I still think I see my Lilly girl around the corner sometimes… Cat heaven is great book. I bought it for our boys when Lilly passed away and it was just as good for me as it was for them. Take care.
i’m an unashamed cat-lover and i’m so sorry you have to say goodbye. sending comforting waves your way!
So very sorry to hear about your precious kitty Casey.It is so hard to lose a pet ,I lost mine of 14 yrs also,seven months ago today,after spending 3 months trying to save him.I just had to let him go to the rainbow bridge he was so sick.I still cry when I think about him ,i try to remember the good times.God bless you all as you go through the illness.
Oh, Pam. I am so sorry to read this about Casey. Praying for your family right now.
Sad news …. I’ll be thinking of you! It’s been ten years since we lost our fave feline, Tom Kitten. We still miss him … take lots of pictures, we still reminisce over fam photos with Tom Kitten. Take care, Casey girl!
I am so very very sorry to hear that about your cat…. I can relate… I have a 19 year cat named Kitty who will be 20 in August and she’s in kidney failure. I have had her since the day she was born and losing her will be deeply heartwrenching. I am so sad for you and I’ll keep you and your family (that includes Casey!) in my prayers.
Just carefully read this, so sorry to hear about your cat.. that’s so sad. I’ve never had a pet, but I can imagine how they become such a huge part of the family, it’s like having a child. My heart goes out to you, Pam.
Oh Pam:(
Enjoy the time you have with Casey and cherish every minute. I know it won’t be easy and it’s a tough road to walk.
Oh chica, I’m SO sorry about your cat! My thoughts are with you!!
This couscous salad looks so delicious. Light and perfect for summer.
Pam–
So sorry about your Casey. We just lost our 11 year old golden retriever in May to cancer. It is hard and unless someone has been through it, they don’t quite understand. All I can say is that very slowly, it gets a little better each day. Some days now we laugh more than we cry when we talk about him and all of his valiant efforts to rid our yard of squirrels and lizards. Best wishes to you.
losing a pet is a terrible thing….hang in there.
sending rays of sunshine yours and Caseys way.
I lost my wonderful cat of 12 years not too long ago, she had cancer as well. It progressed quickly and before a month was out we decided it was in her best interest that we put her down. She held on but we couldn’t watch her waste away because she was unable to eat. I love her dearly and it’s never easy losing a pet you love. But your cat will always live on in your memory, and there she will be healthy, happy and possibly getting into all kind of adorable mischief. I hope you feel better, and I’m very sorry this had to happen to you.
Love the midnight baker,
Rach
So sorry to hear about your kitty. It’s crazy how attached we become to our pets. But only a pet lover truely understands. BTW, this recipe looks delicious!
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I hope you’re feeling better. I’m also a pet lover and i felt devastated when i read about your cat. The recipe looks good. Is this your own creation? It looks really great.