Pan-Seared Italian Grilling Cheese with Lemony Couscous and Kale

If you haven’t tried grilling cheese yet, get ready for a new favorite. This firm cheese holds its shape while cooking, developing a golden, crispy crust on the outside while the inside turns irresistibly melty. Coated in aromatic Italian seasoning and pan-seared to perfection, it’s the star of this vibrant, veggie-forward dish.

Alongside the cheese, you’ll enjoy a fluffy lemony couscous studded with sautéed kale and sweet grape tomatoes. The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness that balances the bright lemon and earthy kale. It’s a beautiful, satisfying meal that comes together quickly-perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something special without the fuss.

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Ingredients

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce KaleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Grape TomatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2.5 ounce Israeli CouscousView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Italian SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Grilling CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel and thinly slice the onion. Remove and discard any large stems from half the kale (use all for 4 servings); chop the leaves into bite-size pieces. Halve the grape tomatoes lengthwise. Peel and mince the garlic. Zest the lemon, then quarter it.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Add ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4 servings) and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring, until the onion is caramelized and jammy, 2-3 minutes more. Add another drizzle of oil and the chopped kale. Cook, stirring, until wilted and tender, 5-7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until just softened, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl and wipe out the pan.
3. While the vegetables cook, heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the couscous, garlic and half the Italian seasoning (reserve the rest). Cook, stirring, until the couscous is lightly toasted, 1-2 minutes. Add ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4 servings) and the stock concentrate. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cover. Cook until the couscous is tender, 6-8 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to use.
4. While the couscous cooks, slice the grilling cheese into 4 pieces (8 pieces for 4 servings). Place the remaining Italian seasoning on a plate. Coat each cheese piece in the seasoning, pressing to adhere. Heat a drizzle of oil in the reserved pan over medium-high heat. Add the cheese and cook until browned, 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Add the cooked vegetables to the pot with the couscous. Stir in the lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Season with salt and pepper. If needed, reheat over medium-low heat.
6. Divide the couscous mixture among plates. Top with the grilling cheese. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

What is grilling cheese?

Grilling cheese is a firm, semi-hard cheese that holds its shape when heated, developing a crispy exterior while becoming soft and melty inside. It’s similar to halloumi and is perfect for pan-searing or grilling.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, halloumi or queso blanco are good substitutes. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella, as they will melt too much.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this dish is completely vegetarian. The grilling cheese is made from milk and all other ingredients are plant-based.