Grains Made Easy - Without a Mix

A "10-Minute" pre-cooked grain mix (see my previous blog) is nice to have around when you're really in a hurry. But it's very easy (and a lot less expensive) to cook most grains at home with a minimum of fuss. All you need is a saucepan, water and the grain of your choice.

Put the grain in the saucepan. Add water to cover by at least an inch (2.5 cm). If excess sodium isn't a concern, add a pinch of salt. Now bring it all to a boil and cook until the grain is done to your liking.

That's it!

It works for long grain rice (brown, red, wild and white), quinoa, barley, wheat berries, faro, spelt, whole oats, couscous, cracked wheat and kasha.

I suggest that you rinse grains in a strainer before cooking them and drain them well when they're done. Some grains cook faster than others, so you'll need to taste occasionally to know when they're ready. Couscous, for instance, might take 5-7 minutes, while wheat berries may take an hour or so. If the water starts to evaporate before the grain is cooked, add more boiling water to cover.

Toss the finished grain with olive oil, herbs and vegetables for a great salad or side dish. (Sautéed onions and mushrooms make a great addition to most any grain.) If you don't plan to use the grain right away, mix it with a little olive oil and store it in the refrigerator.

Looking to save even more time? Cook up a double or triple batch of grain. Use what you want now and store the rest for later. Grains can be refrigerated for several days and frozen for a few months.