Barley Risotto with Shrimp

Barley is a great whole grain alternative to white rice. This recipe uses whole grain barley, rather than that which is more commonly seen in the store, as pearled barley. The pearled variety has had some of the husk removed and cooks faster. It is also a bit less nutritious.

Blueberry Bulgur Salad

Blueberries and other berries are a staple of our Pacific Northwest.  When paired with other fresh, wholesome ingredients, well, it just doesn’t get any better than that.  Bulgur is a whole grain and as such has a lower glycemic index so it makes you feel good as well as providing important minerals and nutrients including…

Stir Fried Wheat Berries

As in a substitute for fried Rice. This is a simple side dish like a fried rice. It is just sliced onions, minced garlic, snow peas, cashews, cooked wheat berries, vinegar and soy sauce.

Dilled Chickpea Salad

Recently a new grocery store opened up around here. Well, maybe not exactly a grocery store, but not a farm stand either. It’s called North Shore Farms. It’s like Trader Joes or Whole Foods, I guess. I was all excited to try it because I like to think I am buying local and organic foods…

Kasha

If you watch too much television, you would think kasha is only for your breakfast cereal.  You would also believe that that lady in the jeans wanders all over remote areas of the world to find it for you.  You have seen that commercial, right?  If not, just ignore me. According to Ferdinand the Great…

Warm Chicken and Grains Salad

This is a fresh way to prepare healthy grains for consumption.  And by fresh, I mean it has raspberries in it!

Lentil Quinoa Pilaf

This pilaf takes advantage of your summer garden’s bounty, but can be made in any season.  Just swap out whatever is in season.  Most of these ingredients are available year ’round.  Not sure how I feel about this, but c’est la vie.

Roasted Mushroom Quinoa

This could be eaten as a side dish, but with the meaty mushrooms this makes an excellent choice for vegetarians.  Don’t be afraid to substitute bulgur, farro, or wheat berries for the quinoa.  All are good choice whole grains, chewy, and tasty.  I normally pre-cook grains in vegetable broth or chicken broth.  They are still…

Cumin Scented Bulgur Pilaf

This is a cumin scented pilaf made with the coarse grain bulgur, golden raisins and toasted pine nuts. It makes a great accompaniment to Turkish kebabs or other grilled meat.  Coarse grain bulgur is not the same animal as cracked wheat, I don’t care what anybody tells you.  Wheat berries are more similar and make…

Barley and Cauliflower Salad

  Roasted cauliflower is one of my favorite things to eat.  Here it is combined with a whole grain, barley.  What could be better.  I also used sherry wine vinegar which is sweeter and has more flavor than red wine vinegar.