Couscous pudding

Couscous Pudding with Caramelized Nuts and Chocolate – A Delight for Breakfast

Who would have thought that such a simple ingredient as couscous could be transformed into a decadent pudding, perfect for starting the day with a smile? Couscous pudding is a savory choice that combines textures and flavors, serving as a healthy alternative to classic rice pudding. In this recipe, we will explore the necessary steps to create a pudding that satisfies even the most refined cravings.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 200 g butter
- 50 g nuts
- 3 tablespoons powdered milk
- 6 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint for decoration

Preparing the Couscous Pudding

1. Boiling the Milk: In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of sugar, and the vanilla extract. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Wait for the mixture to reach a boiling point, then let it boil for 5 minutes.

2. Adding the Couscous: After 5 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat and add the couscous. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid clumping. Let the mixture sit on heat for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid to allow the couscous to absorb the liquid.

Preparing the Caramelized Nuts

3. Roasting the Nuts: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread the nuts on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for 2-3 minutes until they become golden and fragrant. Be careful, as the nuts can burn quickly.

4. Making the Caramel: In a small saucepan, add 2-3 tablespoons of sugar over low heat. Stir constantly until the sugar turns into a golden caramel. Once the caramel is ready, add the roasted nuts and quickly mix to coat them evenly. After the caramel has cooled slightly, transfer the caramelized nuts onto aluminum foil and let them harden.

5. Crumbling the Nuts: Once the caramelized nuts have completely cooled, use a mixer to crumble them into small pieces. These will add a crunchy and sweet touch to your pudding.

Preparing the Chocolate Cups

6. Beating the Eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup of sugar until frothy. Gradually add the melted butter, instant coffee, and the 3 tablespoons of powdered milk. Continue mixing until you achieve a smooth mixture.

7. Thickening the Cream: Place the mixture over low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. This step is essential to achieve a velvety texture.

8. Forming the Cups: Pour the chocolate cream into individual bowls covered with aluminum foil, and let them cool at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator to set.

Assembling the Pudding

9. Mixing the Ingredients: After the couscous has absorbed all the milk and cooled, add the crumbled caramelized nuts and chopped mint. Gently mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.

10. Serving: Once the chocolate cups have set, fill them with the couscous mixture. Decorate with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately or refrigerate to enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips

- Healthy Substitutions: If you want an even healthier version, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. These add an exotic touch and are easier to digest.
- Serving Variations: You can add fresh fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to provide a contrast of textures and flavors.
- Make Ahead: This pudding can be prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to develop and become more intense.

Nutritional Benefits

Couscous pudding is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, while chocolate offers antioxidants, making this pudding not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole grain couscous? Yes, whole grain couscous will add extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I store the pudding? The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or banana to replace the eggs and a plant-based substitute for the butter.

Beverage Recommendations

For a perfect breakfast, serve this couscous pudding with a cup of flavored coffee or a refreshing mint tea. These beverages will perfectly complement the sweetness of your pudding.

So, head to the kitchen and enjoy this recipe for couscous pudding with caramelized nuts and chocolate, which will turn every morning into a celebration of flavors!