Tips on Boosting Whole Grain Flavor

To avoid having bland flavor when cooking with whole grains, there are a few things you can do to boost the flavor of the grains that you are working with. Some whole grains have fewer flavors than others so it is important to know how to get the best flavors out of your meal. There are two mains ways to really bring out the great natural flavors of whole grains: cooking them in liquid and toasting.

Cooking Liquid

Usually, grains that are raw are cooked in water. That's right, just plain old water you get straight from your sink. Why not spruce up the flavor of your whole grains by cooking it in a liquid that will pack them with so much more flavor? If you are working with grains such as millet, quinoa, wheat berries, hulled barley or bulgur wheat, you should consider using a different liquid for cooking. Here are a few options:

• Tomato juice, carrot juice, celery juice, clam juice or vegetable juices

• Fruit juices such as apple, pineapple, orange

• Broths such as vegetable, beef, turkey or chicken

• Wines, red or white, or wine diluted with water

Toasting

Before cooking your whole grains, you have the option of toasting them to really bring out the flavors. By toasting, you give the grain extra texture and a little more pizzazz. Some whole grains that can be toasted are millet, quinoa, amaranth, oats and wheat berries. Here are some ways to toast up those grains

• Skillet: In an ungreased skillet, pour in about ½ cup of grains and cook from 4-7 minutes over medium heat. Be sure to stir regularly as they begin to start cooking. Continue stirring your grains as they get nice and golden brown in color.

• Microwave: Find yourself a nice microwavable plate and put about ½ cup of your grains on to the plate. Set your microwave to 3 minutes and cook on high making sure to stop and stir about every 30 seconds. Once you see the grains get a soft brown color to them, you know they are done.

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 ° F. Bake ½ cup of grains in an ungreased baking pan for about 5-10 minutes. Like the last two methods, be sure to stir occasionally until the grains have turned a beautiful golden brown. Stirring regularly ensures that all the grains receive even cooking on all sides.

And there you have it, a quick and easy guide on bringing out all of those lovely natural flavors found in whole grains that you would be using for cooking. There is no reason why you cannot experience great flavor in your cuisine while maintaining a very healthy diet. Enjoy!