Grains Don’t Have to be Boring: Transform Them With These Simple Tricks

You may already know all about the healthy whole grains and seeds you should be including in your diet, and the hefty list of possibilities of how to cook them. I spent years under the impression that all grains should be made like the steamed rice sides at Asian restaurants. Pairing grains with stir fry and curry is a good idea, but while some whole foods like wild rice work well without any additions, most of them do better with a certain something to bring the flavor to life.

Based on the other dish or dishes in the meal, grains and seeds can chameleon to match appropriately. If you have a spicy curry or stir-fry pairing, I would pick one of the mild options, but if you’re eating your grains with steamed asparagus, find something more interesting. Once you get used to mixing things you aren’t sure will go together, any kind of vegetable, fruit, nut and spice can compliment those whole grains.

The exciting part is that once a whole foods dish is colorful and spiced, they are excellent for potlucks or to be used as sides at Thanksgiving.

1. Add Secret Ingredients

Making something like a salad or soup can seem like a boring meal choice at first, but the pizazz is all in the secret ingredients you decide to use. Try adding raisins, sun dried tomatoes, pinenuts, or a pinch of cocoa powder and sea salt for a layered and unexpected sweet and savory flavor to your dishes. Check out these awesome salad recipes; we’ve got so many varieties.

2. Give it Some Latin Flavor

Agave, chili and lime will give any grains a tangy-sweet taste that pairs well with a mild or creamy side. Also, consider throwing in sliced green onion. Be sure to save some for a garnish! Check out these 6 Tips for Cooking Spicy Food The Right Way.

3. Get Trekky

Make some trail mix from an attractive array of cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or dried pineapple. This is easy and was a huge hit at my Thanksgiving potluck last year. You can also always try making your own trailmix; check out How to Make an Amazing Superfood Trail Mix.

4. Go for Coconut

Shredded, unsweetened coconut will change the texture of any grain or seed, making them a little dryer and more separated, and could be especially nice for grains like amaranth and millet that tend to end up kind of goopy. The best coconut is more finely shredded, but baking coconut works in a pinch. Check out this piece Make Smoked Vegan Gouda That Melts, Stretches, Slices and Grates.

5. Use Saffron with Cashews and Peas

One of the most surprisingly delicious things you can make with rice is an Indian classic dish of saffron rice with peas and cashews. For an easier, cheaper version based on what’s already in the cabinets, turmeric can substitute for saffron, and another nut like almonds for the cashews. And, of course, you could sub in any other whole grain rice, but sticking to the lighter colored quinoa or couscous will keep the end result sunflower-yellow. Try this Saffron Risotto With Butternut Squash.

6. Find Your Favorite Substitutions

Replace water with coconut milk or vegetable broth, in addition to or instead of spicing, depending on the pairing dish. Extra non-dairy milk will turn this concoction into rice pudding. This pairs well with curry powder or your own spice mix.

7. Mix in Some Squash

Another way to make the grains more creamy, with potential for Italian, Indian or Latin spicing, is to mix in squash. Precook a squash of your choice, like acorn or butternut, and squish into the grains when they’re about five minutes from done. Alternately, cut the squash very small so it cooks quickly, and throw it in the pot when the rice starts boiling.

8. Throw in Carrots and Peas

Without much spicing, just a light salt and pepper, throw in peas and finely-chopped carrots for a bright shortcut to eating your vegetables. For some reason, both the whole foods and the vegetables are more interesting when tossed together. Try this Vegetable Rigatoni With Creamy Cauliflower Sauce.

9. Go Crazy With Pizza!

Turn whole grains into pizza with marinara sauce or some Italian spice if it isn’t already in the sauce. Consider adding your favorite pizza toppings like olives, pineapple or bell pepper. Dust with nutritional yeast for a cheezy flavor, or bake into a casserole with mozzarella on top.

For more ideas, check out how to stock your spice cupboard, how to sprout, and these other quinoa recipes. Happy mealtime!

Image source: Saffron Risotto With Butternut Squash