Use Your Grains
March 8th, 2011
Grains and Cereals offer excellent nutritional value for the whole family. Whole un-refined grains are of course far superior to the refined variety which are lower in fibre and nutrition. They are an excellent source of slow burning carbohydrate and protein. Cereals come from cultivated grasses such as wheat, rice, corn, oats, rye and barley.
They are all very versatile foods, for example Pearl Barley (available at Scoopaway) can be used to bulk up soups and stews. You can also boil it for 15-20 minutes, drain in cold water to flush out the starch and add vegetable stock with some double cream to finish the same way as risotto.
Ground Corn (Polenta) is gluten-free and can be used in a wide range of foods and makes a good alternative to mashed potato. At Scoopaway, we sell Polenta loose or Ready cooked in pre-packed slabs which can be sliced and gently fried in butter or oil, served with poached eggs or grilled cheese… kids will love it!
Cracked Wheat or Bulgar Wheat is made by boiling and drying the grains and grinding them. They can be gently fried to give a nutty taste and texture. Add stock and serve hot or cold with salad.
Quinoa is another versatile favourite available at Scoopaway and has become very popular over the last 18 months. It is a superior grain from South and Central America. It is a complete protein and is much easier to digest that meat protein, also rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 and full of minerals. When cooked, Quinoa is slightly crunchy and gives a real texture to any meal, great hot or cold as a salad.