Your cheat sheet for mastering the art of cooking whole grains.

It's all too easy to over-cook or under-cook whole grains, but it doesn't have to be such a challenge. With these helpful step-by-step instructions, you can easily add quinoa, bulgur, couscous and wheatberries to everything from breakfast cereal and entree side dishes to delicious summer salads.


 

Couscous

Made of semolina (tiny granules of durum wheat), couscous is one of the easiest grains to prepare. Use equal amounts of couscous and liquid to cook.

Directions
1 In a saucepan, bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
2 Stir in the couscous.
3 Cover, remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
4 Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.


Bulgur

Versatile, easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, bulgur could be the next go-to grain. Use one part bulgur to two parts liquid to cook.

Directions
1 In a saucepan, bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the bulgur and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
2 Cook, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is al dente.
3 Fluff the bulgur with a fork before serving.


Quinoa

Because of a natural coating usually removed during processing, quinoa – technically a seed, not a grain – can taste bitter if not rinsed before preparation. Use one part quinoa to two parts liquid to cook.

Directions
1 Wash and thoroughly rinse the quinoa.
2 In a medium saucepan, bring he liquid to a boil.
3 Stir in the quinoa and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
4 Fluff the quinoa with a fork
before serving.


Wheatberries

Whole wheat kernels that have had their husks removed, wheatberries reveal a fresh nutty flavour when boiled. They require soaking overnight
for best results.

Directions
1 Rinse the wheatberries well with cold water and drain. Place the wheatberries in a bowl, fill with cold water and let stand 8 hours or overnight.
2 Drain the wheatberries and rinse thoroughly.
3 Place the wheatberries in a saucepan and cover with water.
4 Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for up to 1 hour, or until al dente.
5 Drain well before serving.