A Guide to Cooking Grains
Today’s March Makeover tip is to integrate a new whole grain into one of your meals!
Whole grains provide protein, vitamins and minerals, and fiber to your diet which helps keep you full longer. Whole grains are an excellent source of nutrition, as they contain essential enzymes, iron, dietary fiber, vitamin E and the B-complex vitamins. Because the body absorbs grain slowly, they provide sustained and high-quality energy.
The quickest way to create great grains is to experiment until you find what works for you. Here are basic directions.
1. Measure the grain and check for bugs or unwanted material and rinse in cold water, using a fine mesh strainer.
2. Optional: soak grains for one to eight hours to soften, increase digestibility and eliminate phytic acid. Drain grains and discard the soaking water.
3. Add grains to recommended amount of water and bring to a boil.
4. A pinch of sea salt may be added to grains to help the cooking process, with the exception of kamut, amaranth and spelt (salt interferes with cooking time).
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for the suggested amount of time.
All liquid measures and times are approximate. Cooking length depends on how strong the heat is. It’s a good idea, especially for beginners, to lift the lid and check the water level halfway through cooking and toward the end, making sure there is still enough water to not scorch the grains. Be sure to taste the grains to see if they are fully cooked or starting to burn.
Follow this link:
