Cooking Whole Grains-- Simplified!
By Sara Butler
You have been bombarded with nutrition advice that tells you to eat whole grains for years, right? For a lot of people, they know they need to include more whole grains in their diet but have no idea how to cook them! If this sounds familiar, then you're in for a treat. Cooking whole grains isn't that complicated once you know what to do. Here's how to get it done so you can begin your journey to better health!
The Basics
Whole grains are very simple to make on your stove top. You simply cook them as you would pasta or rice. If you have a steamer, that makes it even easier! Once you cook them, they can be frozen or refrigerated, so feel free to cook a big batch if it'll help you save time.
If you want to get the most flavor out of your grains, then try cooking them in vegetable, chicken, or beef stock.
A few other ways you may want to consider preparing whole grains include:
- In the rice cooker - These types of appliances have a sensor that determines when the liquid has all been absorbed, making them a simple way to cook whole grains right.
- In the pressure cooker - Adjust the cooking time for whole grains just as you would for any other food you cook in your pressure cooker. Whole grains typically take about half the regular time they would on the stove top using this method.
- In the microwave - Yes, you can nuke whole grains for good results! Just get a plastic rice steamer that's made specifically for the microwave and follow the manufacturer's directions.
- In the Crock-Pot - Another easy way to cook whole grains, in the Crock-Pot you cook it low and slow for anywhere from six to eight hours.
The Most Popular Types of Whole Grains
Here's a quick stove top guide to whole grains that may inspire you to try something new!
- Amaranth - Simply add one cup of this grain to two cups of liquid and cook 18 to 20 minutes or until tender.
- Barley - Add one cup of barley to four cups of boiling water and cook for an hour.
- Buckwheat - Add one cup of buckwheat to two cups of water and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Quinoa - Add one cup of rinsed quinoa to two to three cups of boiling water, then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Spelt - Soak one cup of spelt in about two cups of water overnight, then bring the water to a boil and simmer until tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
Add some new whole grains to your life and watch your health and wellness soar!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fontana, Calif.