Breakfast Couscous With Dried Fruit Compote Recipes

SWEET COUSCOUS WITH NUTS AND DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cranberries, apricots, and cherries. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Stir in the couscous and remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan with a tight fitting lid until the couscous has absorbed all of the cooking liquid, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Using a fork, fluff the couscous to break up any lumps. Add the almonds and hazelnuts and toss. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet until completely cooled, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the couscous to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the couscous with 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil for a moister texture.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUSCOUS WITH DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add the raisins, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the couscous to the saucepan, along with the 2 cups of boiling water and the salt. Stir once with a fork, cover tightly, and remove from the heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir with a fork before serving to fluff the couscous and combine the other ingredients. (This recipe can be made up to a day ahead and reheated over very low heat or in a microwave oven.)

FRUIT AND YOGURT BREAKFAST COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Set aside two bowls and divide the dry couscous between them (pouring half in each).
• If using dried fruit, set aside a third bowl and fill with the fruit.
• Add the water and 1 tbsp honey to a small saucepan. Bring the water to a boil and pour 1/2 cup boiling water over each bowl of couscous. Pour the remaining water over the dried fruit (this will allow the fruit to plump and become tender and even more delicious).
• Cover each bowl of couscous and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the water has been fully absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
• Drain the water from the bowl of fruit. Add half the yogurt to each bowl. Divide the fruit in half between the bowls. Divide the chopped almonds between the bowls. Drizzle each bowl with 1 tbsp honey. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp cinnamon on each bowl. Mix, if desired. Enjoy, it's delicious!
• Notes: I love a combination of dried fruit with this dish. I have used dried apricots, pears, cherries, raisins, blueberries, goji berries, currents and dates (not all at once, but hey why not?). Raisins are by far the easiest as they are a staple in many kitchens (and they're great in this dish).
• Notes (for serving an adult and a young child): Divide the dry couscous between two bowls: 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup. Make sure to chop the dried fruit into bite-sized pieces. When dividing the water between the bowls, add 5-oz boiling water to the adult portion and 3-oz to the child portion (using a measuring cup makes this easy). Skip the nuts if your child hasn't been introduced to them yet or if the pieces are large enough to present a choking hazard. Also, make sure your child has gotten an OK from the doctor to eat honey (typically given at 1 year).

DRIED FRUIT COMPOTE WITH COUSCOUS AND YOGURT

Steps:

• Combine fruit, almonds, cinnamon, sugar and juice in medium saucepan over high heat and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until fruit is softened and fragrant, about 10 minutes Meanwhile, place couscous in heat resistant bowl and pour in 1 cup boiling water.
• Add butter and stir briefly to combine.
• Cover with plastic wrap 3 minutes.
• Gently stir mixture with fork until grains are separated and lightly fluffed.
• Combine yogurt, honey and nutmeg in small bowl and mix well.
• To serve, divide couscous among 4 deep bowls.
• Top with fruit mixture, pour some yogurt onto each serving and garnish with fresh mint leaves.