I am loving Heather’s Meatless Monday from A to Z. I look forward to the “assigned” ingredient each week, and in this case, it is another new one for me.
I used to make couscous all the time – it was an easy last minute side I could add when we had friends and family over to grill. I have never made Israeli couscous, or pearl couscous, which is this week’s ingredient.
Unlike grain based (semolina) couscous, Israeli couscous is a pasta, a larger pearl shape. Though it is a pasta, I cooked it with a measured amount of liquid to be absorbed completely (rather than liquid to boil then strain).
Keeping with my VeganMoFo theme of treats and sweets, I made a sweet breakfast couscous. So very good, so very filling.
Jason has had a cold all week, and as much as I tried to combat it, this weekend I woke up with the very same cold. Chocolatey comfort food on a chilly Sunday morning was just what the proverbial doctor ordered.
chocolate hazelnut breakfast couscous
dairy and soy free, vegan
serves two
1 1/4 cup chocolate hazelnut milk
1 ounce dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup Israeli couscous pearls
1 large banana, sliced
1/4 cup hazelnuts
extra chocolate hazelnut milk
In medium size saucepan, bring milk to a boil, watching closely and stirring to prevent bubbling over. Add chopped chocolate, stir until melted. Add couscous pearls, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8 – 10 minutes (mine took 8).
Transfer to two bowls, top with sliced banana, hazelnuts, and milk.
To see more Israeli couscous creations, visit Heather for Meatless Monday A to Z!
…and have you entered the Stock Your Pantry giveaway yet? It’s a big one – five winners each choose 25 pantry items!
{ 46 comments… read them below or add one }
i miss couscous. Those yummy pearls of goodness. I bet i could use tapioca balls or quinoa, right?
quinoa would be great! Jason said tapioca too!
Chocolate, hazelnut and couscous… ummm YUM!!
I know, this chocolate hazelnut milk is pure genius – so SO good!
your amazing! just sayin
chocolate and hazelnuts = heaven!
and having it for breakfast even better
Oh I did not know that about the Israeli couscous. I’ve actually only had it once. Loved it, but I never think to go pick it up and I’ve never had couscous as a breakfast. This looks great.
I am not sure if I have ever had this type – if so it was in a restaurant because I’ve never cooked it. This was a good breakfast – kept us full past lunchtime!
This looks fabulous… but what got me was the chocolate hazelnut milk. YUM!
I know… I cannot wait to buy more of that. Jason loved it too.
I really need to make this for breakfast tomorrow!
oh yay – I hope you do! enjoy!
Though I dont often eat couscous – this looks like an interesting way to start the day. Ive never had the pearl couscous either!
this was my first time using it – I have only cooked with the hmm, more traditional? grain. this is much different, and fun!
Girl….you inspire me. This sounds so good. I have a box of Israeli couscous in the pantry too! Thanks for this delish recipe!
aw, thank you Heather!
enjoy!
I love this recipe! I have tons of couscous in my cupboard that I always forget to use – this would be lovely for a unique and warm breakfast – much more inventive than my normal oatmeal
and about the same cooking time too – this kept me full way past lunch!
Couscous as both dessert and breakfast? Love it! And why not, I mean, rice pudding can totally do that double duty, too–similar theory!
…and it was *just* sweet enough, not really too sweet at all (I’m sure many people enjoy MUCH sweeter breakfasts!)
and the salty from the hazelnuts – Mmm!
That looks awesome. I am a big fan of breakfast grain dishes besides oatmeal and really love that you used Israeli couscous!
thanks, Alyssa! this was one of those “hmm, will it work?” kinda things. so happy it turned out even better than I imagined!
ahhhhh!!! I must make this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is like oatmeal goodness on CRACK.
pretty much!
I don’t really like couscous but honestly this looks fab and I’ll probably try it. Plus, chocolate makes everything better. What a different breakfast twist!
well, yeah, how can you not like it with chocolate?
Now this looks perfect to fight those nasty colds! Feel better soon my friend!
thanks, girl… I rarely get sick, this is no fun
the couscous did help a bit… making another flavor tomorrow!
I wouldn’t have thought to make Israeli couscous into a sweet breakfast. Great idea Kris.
thanks, Roz! this was one of those “I hope this works” kinda things… and oh yum, it did
I love the idea of a chocolate coscos, a healthy quick breakfast
I hope your cold will be all better soon
thanks so much, Sawsan – very kind of you… I’m hoping it’s better soon too, I rarely get sick!
and chocolate couscous is VERY good, it helped
this is so good, so easy! we had chocolate milk (no hazelnut but I will be looking!) so this was today’s breakfast. and tomorrow’s, and the next day LOL
so happy you liked it!!
this looks divine, perfect for autumn cool morning! thanks for sharing this unique dish.
it was perfect for a cold morning!
So fun! I’ve tried quinoa for breakfast, but never Israeli couscous! Looks delicious.
hi Diana!
this would work with quinoa, I’m sure… (I’ve cooked quinoa with coconut milk before). the Israeli couscous was just fun!
That looks so good, I never would have thought about Israeli cous cous for breakfast or making it sweet!
I do a quinoa breakfast, but make it savory with chopped egg and veggies and turkey sausage (and maybe a little cheese!)
I’m totally going to make this soon!
your savory quinoa sounds excellent – I want it right now I hope you enjoy this – it’s a good one!
Oh this sounds so good! What a great idea for couscous – Can’t wait to try it – thanks for sharing!
thank you, Patricia! I hope you try – enjoy!
This looks delicious! I’ve been making oatmeal with ground flax seed and whole milk for my kids. Then I have them sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top! I think they would like this, too!
Mmm, anything is better with mini chocolate chips on it! Your kids would probably like this too!
I am addicted to this breakfast, I make it all week thanks!
so great to hear, Francine – I enjoyed it earlier this week as well!
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