Plus easy recipes for enjoying them!
To say we love whole grain goodness at NOURISH Evolution is an understatement. Lia has touted their benefits for your health (and for your taste buds) for years. There's a whole new world of flavors and textures with whole grains, that we think you'll find much more interesting than the same-old, same-old white rice and white bread. But if you’re new to whole grains, figuring out what to do with them can be confusing (Keen-WHAT?). If you’re not sure exactly what a whole grain is, start with Lia’s Gotta Get Your Grains post. And if you’re ready to dive in, see below for 7 healthy grains beyond brown rice. It’s a whole new world of grains out there!
Amaranth
This teeny, tiny little “pseudo-grain” is packed with fiber and protein, and it’s gluten free. It’s delightful, pudding-like texture makes it a luscious side dish or dessert.
Amaranth Recipes:
Amaranth “Polenta” with Goat Cheese
Bulgur
If you need a quick-cooking whole grain for busy nights, this is it.
Bulgur Recipes:
Tomato Salad with Green Beans, Corn and Bulgur
Lamb Tagine with Preserved Lemon, Dates and Bulgur
Farro
Hearty farro is one of the so-called “ancient grains” that has recently been rediscovered by modern cooks.
Here’s how to use farro in your kitchen
Farro Recipes:
15-Minute Farrotto with Sage and Butternut Squash
Farro & Eggplant Stacks with Summer Pesto & Salsa Fresca
Mushroom “Farrotto” with Roasted Butternut Squash & Shallots
Millet
If you’re unfamiliar with this gluten-free grain’s butter-yellow beads, you should get better acquainted.
Find out why quick-cooking millet is one of Lia’s all-time favorite grains
Millet Recipes:
Creamy Millet with Blueberry Compote
Millet-Stuffed Kabocha Squash with Indian Spices
Oats
This may be one of the most familiar, best-loved whole grains in America. But did you know that oats aren’t just for breakfast!?
Here’s the whole scoop on oats
Oat Recipes:
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal with Toasted Pecans
Nectarine Blackberry Cobbler with Coconut-Oat Topping
Quinoa
You’ve probably heard about quinoa at some point by now—in a magazine, by a chef, or on a show. But does it live up to the hype? In a word: Yes.
Quinoa Recipes:
Wheat Berries
These may be the ultimate whole grain because, well, wheat berries are actually whole wheat kernels.
Learn what you can do with wheat berries
Wheat Berry Recipes:
Sautéed Wheat Berries with Shrimp, Zucchini and Gremolata
Roasted Acorn Squash Salad with Wheat Berries and Blue Cheese
Wheat Berry Salad with Middle Eastern Spices, Grilled Tomatoes & Eggplant
And if you think whole grains take too long to cook, think again. Here are 5 whole grains you can have on the table in less than 20 minutes