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Golden Overnight Couscous

Name: Golden Overnight Couscous
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
Ingredients: ¾ cup canned light coconut milk; ¼ cup dry couscous; 2 Tbsp tahini; 3 dried apricot; maple syrup; ½ tsp orange zest; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground turmeric; 1 pinch ground black pepper; ½ cup unsweetened coconut yogurt; ¼ cup pomegranate seeds; 1 Tbsp roasted unsalted pistachios

6 hr + 5 min

Breakfast

One-bowl / one-pot

No cook

Turmeric is a key ingredient in the nutritious and delicious golden overnight couscous breakfast. Its anti-inflammatory properties and abundance of antioxidants provide multiple health benefits, in addition to giving the dish its characteristic golden colour. When combined with sweet apricots and warming cinnamon, the couscous creates a satisfying and comforting alternative to oatmeal.

Servings

Total

6 hr + 5 min

Prep

5 min

Cool

6 hr

Contains

tree nut

sesame

Swap out

gluten

Free from

soy

peanut

Ingredients

Overnight couscous

¾ cup (180 mL)
canned light coconut milk^†

any unsweetened plant-based milk of choice
¼ cup (43 g)
dry couscous^†

rolled oats

dry gluten-free couscous
2 Tbsp (30 mL)
tahini
3
dried apricots, finely chopped

Medjool dates

dried cranberries
1 tsp (5 mL)
maple syrup
½ tsp
orange zest
½ tsp
ground cinnamon
¼ tsp
ground turmeric
1 pinch
ground black pepper

Toppings

½ cup (120 mL)
unsweetened coconut yogurt^†

any unsweetened plant-based yogurt of choice
¼ cup (44 g)
pomegranate seeds

fresh mixed berries
1 Tbsp (8 g)
roasted unsalted pistachios (optional)

Make your own

Quick Homemade Tahini

Directions

Combine all of the overnight couscous ingredients in a mason jar. Cover and let sit overnight in the fridge.
The next morning, add any desired toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

^†Nutrition tip: aim to use plant-based milk that is fortified with calcium.
^†If using oats in place of the couscous, add twice as much.
^†Nutrition tip: aim to use plant-based yogurt that is fortified with calcium.

Storage

Store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Watch it step-by-step!

Plate method

The Plate Method is a visual tool that helps us ensure our dietary needs are on track. Touch the image below to see how this recipe measures up.

Grains & Starches 51%

• dry couscous

Proteins 15%

• tahini

• roasted unsalted pistachios

Fruits & Veggies 34%

• dried apricot

• orange zest

• pomegranate seeds

Calcium

• unsweetened coconut yogurt

Fat

• canned light coconut milk

• tahini

• roasted unsalted pistachios

Nutrition per serving

Calories 699 kcal

Total fat	36.4 g
Omega-3	0.1 g
Omega-6	8.1 g
Saturated fat	16.5 g
Trans fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol	0.0 mg

Total carbs	85.5 g
Dietary fiber	11.5 g
Total sugars	32.4 g
Added sugars	10.9 g
Protein	14.2 g
Sodium	67 mg

Iron	4.85 mg
Potassium	732.4 mg
Calcium	385.6 mg
Magnesium	76.4 mg
Zinc	2.41 mg
Copper	0.85 mg
Manganese	3.25 mg
Phosphorus	379.5 mg
Selenium	12 μg

Vitamin A	40 μg RAE
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Vitamin B12	2 μg
Vitamin C	6.6 mg
Vitamin D	4 μg
Vitamin E	1.5 mg
Vitamin K	10 μg
Folate	64 μg
Thiamin	0.5 mg
Riboflavin	0.3 mg
Niacin	4.1 mg
Choline	21.3 mg

Nutrition info

Focusing on numbers can harm our relationship with food. Instead, our philosophy is to Nourish the Cells & the Soul. For specific nutrition needs due to a medical condition, consult a dietitian or physician. While we strive to provide accurate nutritional information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. See our disclaimer for details.

Show nutrition info

More for the eyes

Process image of Golden Overnight Couscous

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Marguerite De Valois - Oct. 3, 2024, 6:28 a.m.

Très bon petit déjeuner qui change du chocolat et des flocons d'avoine. Frais et épicé, plein de peps. Si pas de zeste d'orange je pense qu'il est important d'inclure un peu de jus de citron pour rehausser l'équilibre. Les abricots secs peuvent se changer par des dates sans aucun problème. A refaire

Jana - Sept. 17, 2024, 2:48 a.m.

The orange zest makes this so good! So different from my other overnight oats recipes on rotation. I just used oats and soy milk but the flavors still came together nicely.

PUL Team - Sept. 17, 2024, 9:36 p.m.

Woop woop! Thanks a bunch for the glowing review, Jana ✨

D - May 22, 2024, 1:52 p.m.

We were so surprised by how delicious this was that we ate it 2 times in a row now! 🤗

Kris - April 20, 2024, 9:10 a.m.

Loved it! Divided it into two portions.

Michal - March 11, 2024, 1:51 p.m.

I never ate sweet couscous before, so I wanted to try, but it wasn't for me... it was way too sweet in my opinion, and I didn't like the texture.
It's the first PUL's recipe that I don't like, so I was a bit disappointed.

PUL Team - March 11, 2024, 8:15 p.m.

Hey Michal, oh we're sad to hear this! Sweet couscous is slightly different from savoury versions which can be an adjustment. We hope with some toppings you were able to enjoy the overnight couscous more as these can help balance the flavours. 🙂

Julie - Feb. 2, 2024, 7:20 a.m.

I love this! A filling, tasty and nutritious breakfast! I've made it twice now (two servings at a time) and wanted to share some thoughts and modifications!

The first time, I made the two servings in a tall mason jar, setting the mixture up in the afternoon. Before bed, I noticed that the mixture had become a hard mass with the liquid sitting on top, so I had to stir it through and add some more liquid and couscous to achieve the desired consistency. The next morning, it was fine 👍🏼 If making several servings, I suggest not using a tall jar, but a larger/square box so that the couscous can soak evenly.

Because of awkward packaging sizes of the coconut milk where I live, I replaced some of the liquid with soy milk and that works great too!

Finally, whilst preparing the orange zest the second time, I had an inspiration: I replaced some of the liquid with freshly squeezed juice from my smallish blood orange, saving half of it to top the couscous with the next morning. Yum!! This little twist might now be for everyone, but if you love oranges like I do, give it a try!

Julie - Feb. 2, 2024, 7:22 a.m.

For clarity, I squeezed half of the orange into the couscous mixture and topped it with the fruit from the other half of the orange the next day :)

PUL Team - Feb. 2, 2024, 5:51 p.m.

We're glad you're enjoying the overnight couscous, Julie! Thanks for sharing the twist. Here's to more delicious breakfast adventures together 😃

Tom - Dec. 5, 2023, 6:47 a.m.

This one was delicious. Like others, I enjoy mine on the sweeter side so I added a tablespoon of maple syrup and a splash of vanilla and it was perfect for me!

Priya Narayanan - Sept. 9, 2023, 6:40 a.m.

Fantastic recipe!

Nila - July 27, 2023, 11:22 p.m.

Delicious Like Always

Martunia - May 9, 2023, 10:54 p.m.

Had this couscous this morning. It was really filling, kept me full until lunch. I shall be making it again tomorrow 😌

Sabrina - March 17, 2023, 4:15 p.m.

Hi there, quick question: there's yogurt listed in the recipe but I don't see it anywhere in the video. It's meant just as a topping, right? It doesn't go in the actual overnight couscous mix?

PUL Team - March 18, 2023, 3:14 a.m.

Hey Sabrina, apologies for the confusion - we're working on updating this recipe since as we didn't believe it was the best version it could be (the new version should be live sometime next week). Yes, the yogurt is just a recommended topping along with pomegranate seeds, mint, and pistachios! 🙂

Anna - Feb. 14, 2023, 2:55 a.m.

This has got to be my all time favourite breakfast recipe by yours! Absolutely delicious and just something different to the usual porridge <3 Love it soo much ^^

PUL Team - Feb. 14, 2023, 7:59 a.m.

Such a lovely compliment, Anna, thank you 😃

Karin - Feb. 9, 2023, 10:15 p.m.

Dear Pick up Limes team,

my husband and I prepare your overnight oats almost every day (it is routine :)). We enjoy every single one of them, but we really love the couscous and pomegranate seeds recipe. We even prepared this one last summer for the whole family during our post-Corona reunion (for 13 people!). Everyone loved it!
Thank you so much!

PUL Team - Feb. 9, 2023, 11:20 p.m.

Oh, Karin, we're so thrilled the recipes are being enjoyed and honoured to be part of the reunion!

Suluhu - June 23, 2022, 2:17 p.m.

I've tried this and have to agree with Jane. I like overnight oats, but I always eat the sweet kind. I really wanted to like this one, because it's not oats (for a change) and it's savory. But I found it quite boring. I'm going to experiment with it. I'm thinking maybe some more turmeric, maybe some paprika and cardemom. Idk how all of that will hold up over night. I'm also thinking of adding chickpeas and carrots and leaving out the pomegranate seeds.
I'm obviously no professional. Maybe Sadia will some day do a savory overnight breakfast episode :D

PUL Team - June 24, 2022, 4:11 p.m.

Hey Suluhu, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with this one. It's so appreciated to help PUL grow. We hope with some topping you were able to enjoy the overnight couscous and those modifications sound like lovely ideas. We’ve taken note of the review and suggestion for savoury overnight oats 🙂

PUL Team - April 10, 2023, 3:28 p.m.

Hey Suluhu, thanks so much again for your feedback on this recipe! We've made some changes to the recipe and added more flavour to it. We hope that you'll enjoy this new version more than the original one. Thank you again for your valuable input! 🥰

Ana - May 22, 2022, 4:21 p.m.

Delicious! Is it a possibility for u to include the calories per 100 GR? It will be very useful! Thanks

PUL Team - May 23, 2022, 8:28 p.m.

Hey there, Ana, thanks for the suggestion. We've noted it down to help PUL improve and grow 🙂

Isa - March 27, 2022, 5:54 a.m.

I saw this recipe in one of your YT videos and it caught my eye since I'm a huge overnight oats fan and I thought I should definitely try something different. So I made it, I used the exact same products and quantities and it turned out not savory but bitter. Like very bitter, I had to put 2 tbsp of pomegranate molasses to make it edible. I'd like to try it again but maybe with less tahini and more sweet/savory addings. Any suggestions?

PUL Team - March 27, 2022, 8:44 p.m.

Hey Isa! We suspect the bitterness may have come from the couscous used. Do you kindly remember what type of couscous was used or how old it was? Being sure to use fresh uncooked couscous is necessary for this one. Sometimes salt can help to balance out the flavours a tad as well. We hope this helps for now, Isa! We also have a few savoury oat recipes on the blog in case you're interested and haven't already seen them: pickuplimes.com/search/?sb=sa… 😊

Renate - Dec. 12, 2021, 5:52 p.m.

This golden treat has become my favorite breakfast! However, I cook the couscous, and instead of orange zest, I use orange extract. I top it with fresh orange too if I have the patience to skin in advance. If not, I think dried cranberries or apple slices and sunflower seeds work great.

PUL Team - Dec. 13, 2021, 8:21 a.m.

Thanks a bunch for sharing the insight, Renate! We're so glad the recipe is being enjoyed 😃

Paolo - Oct. 7, 2021, 9:50 a.m.

Can I use pearl cous cous ?

PUL Team - Oct. 9, 2021, 11:22 p.m.

Hey Paolo, I haven't tried it myself but I'm inclined to say it wouldn't work. I think the pearls wouldn't soften through into the centre well enough. In case it helps, we have other overnight jar recipes though using oats: https://www.pickuplimes.com/s…

Maya - July 9, 2021, 5:12 a.m.

LOVE!

Cris S - June 5, 2021, 5:04 p.m.

I liked the taste of this recipe a lot but I think it messed with my bowels a little, otherwise I'd really make it again, perhaps with another grain because I love anything oriental!

PUL Team - June 5, 2021, 10:09 p.m.

We appreciate the review, Cris! Perhaps the fiber may have been the culprit so ensuring enough fluids are enjoyed would be a good idea if you enjoy it again, although it's always best to check with a medical professional such as a dietitian 😃

Camilla Costa - May 24, 2021, 2:14 p.m.

Beautiful inspirations! I'm a huge porridge and overnight oat addicted.... and these are bomb! 😋😋😋💞
I'd love to see new recipes with alternative grains for porridge on pick up limes! 😍
💞🤗

PUL Team - May 24, 2021, 9:08 p.m.

We're so happy you enjoyed the overnight couscous, Camilla! Thank you for the kind words and suggestion 😃

Miriam N. - April 29, 2021, 7:27 p.m.

This was an interesting alternative to the usual overnight oats. I added fresh berries and coconut yogurt to the top which I think is an absolute must, otherwise, it's a bit plain - but I guess that's true for most overnight oat recipes? It's good if you prefer a savoury breakfast, but I think I'll stick with the sweeter overnight oat recipes you've shared, I liked those much more.

PUL Team - May 1, 2021, 7:27 p.m.

Thank you for the honest feedback, Miriam! This one is definitely a more savoury recipe, but it's totally okay to prefer a sweeter breakfast! We're glad you've enjoyed our overnight oats recipes 🤗

Jane Eyre - March 24, 2021, 8:26 p.m.

I love overnight oats and these were definitely new... and flavorless...

PUL Team - April 2, 2021, 6:20 a.m.

Hi Jane, your honest feedback is really appreciated as it helps us grow and improve! We hope with some topping you were able to enjoy the overnight couscous. We’ll keep your feedback in mind moving forward so many thanks for taking the time to share :)