Think about it, why don’t other grains get a place at the breakfast table the way oatmeal does?
At least here in America, suggest serving a breakfast of warm brown rice, millet or couscous and you’ll probably get puzzled looks. I’m not knocking oatmeal – I love it too but it’s time to take a page out of many global cuisines and expand our breakfast horizons. So get out of that “oatmeal only” breakfast rut and try experimenting with some different whole grains (besides boxed cereals & granolas) for a new delicious and warming start to the morning.
This Pecan Date Breakfast Couscous is simple to make. Once the milk is boiling, the couscous (get whole wheat if you can) takes just 5 minutes to cook, with heat off & lid on. Dates are naturally so sweet, you won’t miss the honey, maple syrup or brown sugar. Pecans add some extra healthy fat and flavor.
This recipe is brought to you by The Recipe ReDux and this month’s theme of “A Whole New Grain.” Check out all the fantastic whole grain recipes below.
PrintPecan Date Breakfast Couscous
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 4 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a large pot, add couscous, milk, cinnamon stick and orange zest. Stir once then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat, cover with lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Stir in dates and pecans.
- Scoop into serving bowls. Serve with pitcher of warm milk, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
Besides oatmeal, have you ever eaten hot grains for breakfast?
Leslie.
Monday 21st of January 2019
Portion question: The recipe says "into bowls" but yield is one cup. Is this for one person or more? I'm a hot grains breakfast novice (can't stand cooked oatmeal!). Thanks!
Deanna Segrave-Daly
Monday 21st of January 2019
Hi Leslie! I updated the recipe to read 1 cup uncooked whole wheat couscous. After it cooks and you mix in the rest of the ingredients, you get close to 4 cups of cooked cereal - I estimated 1 cup per person so 4 servings total in the recipe. I use small bowls for serving. LMK if you make it!
eatingRD
Wednesday 23rd of November 2011
Yum! Love dates in just about anything sweet or savory. Looks great! Have a great Thanksgiving :)
Lisa ♥ Healthful Sense
Wednesday 23rd of November 2011
Love the combination of quinoa + nuts and dates! Such a wonderful flavor and so filling! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Jane Schwartz
Wednesday 23rd of November 2011
I love this idea. My favorite thing is combining hot cereal with nuts and fruit. Great choice for redux to encourage branching out from oatmeal!
Liz - Meal Makeover Mom
Wednesday 23rd of November 2011
Yum. I love the ideal of couscous for breakfast. And since the whole wheat is so easy to find now, it makes perfect sense to use it!