Grains are not only nutritious and delicious, they are wonderfully easy to prepare. Here are cooking instructions for some of the most common grains -- and a few that are not so common, as well. Add additional flavor by using broths instead of water and adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Ingredients:
Preparation:
How to Cook Grains
• Amaranth: Simmer 1 part amaranth in 3 parts water for 20-25 minutes. Use in cereal.• Barley, pearl: Simmer 1 part barley in 4 parts water for 30-40 minutes. Use in side dishes, pilafs, soups, stews.
• Bulgar: Pour 1-1/2 cups boiling water over 1 cup bulgur and let stand for 30 minutes. Use in side dishes, cold salads.
• Cornmeal: Simmer 1 part cornmeal in 4 parts water for 30 minutes. Use in cereals, baked goods and polenta.
• Couscous: Pour 1-1/2 cups boiling water over 1-1/2 cups couscous and let stand for 5 minutes. Use in side dishes.
• Hominy: Soak overnight, then simmer 1 part hominy in 3 parts water for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Use in cereals, side dishes.
• Millet: Simmer 1 part millet in 2 parts water for 25-30 minutes. Use in soups, stews, side dishes.
• Oats, rolled: Simmer 1 part oats in 2 parts water for 10 minutes and let stand for 2 minutes. Use in cereal, baking.
• Oats, steel-cut: Simmer 1 part oats in 4 parts water for 30-40 minutes. Use in cereal.
• Quinoa: Rinse thoroughly in cold water before using. Simmer 1 part quinoa in 2 parts water for 15-20 minutes.
• Rice, brown: Simmer 1 part brown rice in 2 parts water for 30-40 minutes. Use in side dishes, casseroles, pilafs, soups.
• Rye berries: Soak overnight, then simmer 1 part rye berries in 4 parts water for 1 hour. Use in side dishes, casseroles, stews.
• Triticale: Simmer 1 part triticale in 4 parts water for 1 hours. Use in cereal, casseroles, pilaf.
• Wheat berries: Soak overnight, then simmer 1 part wheat berries in 3 parts water for 2 hours. Use in stuffings, casseroles, side dishes, cereals.
• Wheat, cracked: Simmer 1 part cracked wheat in 2 parts water for 25 minutes. Use in cereal, side dishes, salads, casseroles.
• Wild rice: Simmer 1 part wild rice in 3 parts water for 45 to 60 minutes. Use in stuffings, casseroles, side dishes.
Recipe Source: Prevention's The Healthy Cook by by Prevention Magazine Health Books (Rodale Press)
Reprinted with permission.
