Hot couscous breakfast

Hot Couscous Breakfast Recipe from Morocco with Orange Peel and Almonds

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

Start your day off right with this delicious and nutritious hot couscous breakfast recipe. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, this breakfast will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning.

History

Couscous is a traditional North African dish made from tiny granules of durum wheat. It is a staple food in many countries in the region and is often served as a side dish or as a base for stews and salads. This hot couscous breakfast recipe puts a unique twist on the classic dish by adding almonds and orange peel for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

0.25 tsp orange peel
- grated
1 oz (28 g) couscous
- uncooked
0.5 oz (14 g) almonds
- toasted, sliced
1 tbsp half-and-half

How to prepare

In a saucepan, combine 0.25 cup of water and the orange peel. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in couscous.
Cover and let the couscous stand for 5 minutes.
Transfer the couscous to a serving bowl and top with almonds and half-and-half.
Weight Watchers Exchanges: 1 fat, 0.5 protein, 1 bread, 25 optional calories.
Nutritional analysis per serving: 210 calories, 7 g protein, 9 g fat, 26 g carbohydrates, 61 mg calcium, 11 mg sodium, 6 mg cholesterol, 1 g dietary fiber (excluding couscous).
Calories from fat: 36.7%.
Original recipe from Weight Watchers "Simply Light Cooking". Conversion and additional nutritional analysis by Rick Weissgerber.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add dried fruit, such as raisins or apricots, for a touch of sweetness, or stir in a spoonful of honey for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the almonds before adding them to the couscous will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch. Be sure to keep an eye on them while toasting to prevent burning. Additionally, be sure to use a fine-grain couscous for this recipe, as larger grains may not cook properly in the short amount of time required.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot couscous breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of orange juice for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect couscous is to let it steam off the heat after cooking. This allows the grains to absorb the liquid and become light and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have almonds on hand, you can substitute them with another type of nut, such as walnuts or pecans. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the couscous mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this hot couscous breakfast with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve it in a colorful bowl for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This hot couscous breakfast pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt on top for added creaminess.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the couscous until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this hot couscous breakfast contains 210 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling breakfast option that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this hot couscous breakfast contains 26 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling your brain and muscles throughout the day.

Fats

This breakfast dish contains 9 grams of fat per serving. The almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

With 7 grams of protein per serving, this hot couscous breakfast is a great way to start your day with a boost of muscle-building protein. Protein is essential for repairing and building tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. They also provide magnesium, which is important for bone health and muscle function.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds, which are a tree nut. If you have a nut allergy, be sure to omit the almonds or substitute them with a different ingredient.

Summary

Overall, this hot couscous breakfast is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day.

Summary

This hot couscous breakfast is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, it will keep you satisfied and energized until lunchtime. Try this recipe for a unique twist on a classic dish that is sure to become a new favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for hot couscous breakfast. It was a chilly morning in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco, and the aroma of spices filled the air as I wandered through the bustling market. I stumbled upon a small, hidden stall where an elderly woman was cooking up a delicious breakfast that caught my eye.

As I watched her meticulously prepare the couscous, I knew I had to learn her secret recipe. With a warm smile, she welcomed me into her makeshift kitchen and began to teach me the traditional way of making this hearty dish.

The key to a perfect hot couscous breakfast, she explained, lies in the quality of the ingredients. She showed me how to soak the couscous in hot water and fluff it with a fork until it was light and fluffy. Next, she added a generous amount of butter and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

But it was the spices that truly set this dish apart. The woman carefully ground a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, infusing the couscous with a warm, comforting aroma. She added a handful of raisins and chopped nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As the couscous cooked on the stovetop, the woman shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down this recipe through generations. She spoke of early mornings spent in the kitchen, the smell of spices lingering in the air as her family gathered around the table to enjoy a hot, nourishing breakfast together.

I was captivated by her tales of tradition and family, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. With her guidance, I carefully followed each step of the recipe, taking notes and asking questions to ensure that I could recreate this dish at home.

After a few hours of cooking and tasting, the hot couscous breakfast was finally ready. I eagerly filled a bowl with the fragrant mixture and took a tentative bite, savoring the warm, comforting flavors that danced across my taste buds.

The woman watched me with a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I had found a new favorite dish. She handed me a recipe card filled with handwritten notes and smiled, knowing that I would carry on the tradition of hot couscous breakfast in my own home.

And so, every morning since that fateful day in Marrakech, I have woken up early to prepare this delicious dish for my family. The scent of spices and butter fills the kitchen, bringing back memories of that magical morning in the market.

As I sit down at the table with my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other. With each bite of hot couscous breakfast, we honor the traditions of those who came before us, passing down a recipe that will surely be cherished for generations to come.