I was first exposed to the idea of using couscous in parfaits when my dietetics class visited HyVee for a presentation by their dietitian. The dietitian used this parfait as an example of a quick and nutritious breakfast, and at first, I was skeptical. I mean, couscous for breakfast? It seemed strange, but it was incredibly tasty, and it has made regular appearances in my kitchen ever since.
Couscous parfait with cinnamon yogurt
Serves 11/3 cup dry whole wheat couscous
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup regular or Greek yogurt (I use vanilla or plain sweetened with honey or maple syrup)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Berries (your choice)
Granola (try my Ancient Grains Granola or my Vanilla Almond Clusters)
Serves 11/3 cup dry whole wheat couscous
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup regular or Greek yogurt (I use vanilla or plain sweetened with honey or maple syrup)
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Berries (your choice)
Granola (try my Ancient Grains Granola or my Vanilla Almond Clusters)
Pour the dry couscous into a microwave-safe bowl. I don’t measure – I just dump until it looks right. Remember, though, it will swell quite a bit when it cooks.
Add the water on top of the couscous. Once again, no measuring for me. I add water until it covers the couscous and there is about 1/4 inch of water standing above.
Pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. If it still hasn’t absorbed all the water, let it sit on the counter for a minute or two. It will get soaked up.
Put the yogurt in a bowl and stir in the cinnamon. Spoon this on top of your couscous after the water is absorbed and it looks light and fluffy.
Add your berries on top and sprinkle with some granola.
And there you go. About 3 minutes gets you the easiest, fastest breakfast out there (that requires any skill beyond pouring cereal and milk into a bowl…). It’s delicious!