Couscous stuffed apple with cinamon and pine nuts

Apples baked in the oven are delicious, and they only get better once they are paired with cinnamon. Many of us think of it as a delicious treat that can be enjoyed every day without intaking too many calories. Today, we bring you baked apples with a particular and delicious filling: apples stuffed with couscous, cinnamon, and pine nuts. These delicious apples are ideal to be served lukewarm both for a super breakfast or for an excellent snack. This recipe, paired with Martino couscous, a high quality and very light product, will become your next addiction. 

So, how do we prepare this wonderful treat?

Ingredients:

• 60 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 spoon of cinnamon powder
• 60 gr of Martino’s classic couscous
• 6 apples
• Pine nuts as needed
• A little more sugar to sprinkle on top
• A little more cinnamon to sprinkle on top

Preparation

1. You can start by pouring water into a pan and bring it to the boiling point while adding sugar and cinnamon in the meantime. When it starts boiling, turn off the heat, pour in the couscous, cover with a lid and let it rehydrate for about 4 to 5 minutes.

After the necessary time, mix the couscous using a fork, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool.

2. Wash the apples, cut the upper part, keeping it aside, then partially dig the apples.

Cut into pieces about half of the excavated pulp and add it to the couscous, then add the pine nuts and mix well with a fork.

3. At this point, fill the apples with the prepared mixture, then distribute a few pine nuts and a little sugar on the surface of each apple, and finish by sprinkling a little cinnamon.

It’s time to put them in a preheated oven at 180° C and cook for about 35 minutes.

Your couscous stuffed apples with cinnamon and pine nuts are ready to serve, and remember that they are better enjoyed if eaten lukewarm. Enjoy your snack!

Properties of baked apples

According to many, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and aside from being something that people just say, it has been scientifically proven that the consumption of apples is good for everyone (children, adults, and elderly) and even more if these precious fruits are consumed cooked.

Baked apples are known for their laxative properties and are a sure remedy for fighting constipation. Due to their high digestibility, they are the ideal fruit for those with slow and difficult digestion problems.

Due to the high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant agents, apples are a cure-all for our health. This is true especially if they are cooked, as they strengthen our immune system and counteract colds and flu symptoms in general.

Properties of cinnamon

The therapeutic properties of cinnamon are many and were already well-known in Ancient Egypt and by the Romans.

Cinnamon is a powerful natural antioxidant; it stimulates blood circulation and helps fight cholesterol. It has antibacterial (used in Ancient Egypt for the embalming of the dead), antiseptic, stimulant, and digestive properties.

According to recent studies, it also seems to be ideal for those suffering from type two diabetes due to the presence of a particular polyphenol which would have an action similar to that of insulin.

Cinnamon stimulates our immune system and is a good natural remedy for colds, flu and dyspepsia due to the antimicrobial and astringent action. In Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for cold-related ailments and against menstrual pain.

Cinnamon was presented as an aphrodisiac spice by ancient Romans but it was only in the sixteenth century that the sexually stimulating effect of this drug was sanctioned by several medical treatises.

Furthermore, cinnamon seems to fight nervous hunger, and it is therefore a perfect condiment for those who follow slimming diets.

Properties of pine nuts

Pine nuts have a high (and mainly unsaturated) fat content, with an important percentage of linoleic acid (Omega 6). These seeds have good protein content and are rich in fiber.

Pine nuts are also an excellent source of vitamins (especially E and PP) and minerals (especially calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium).