How to Cook Whole Grains

This basic cooking lesson will teach you all about how to cook whole grains. Whole grains are low in fat and should be part of a healthy diet. White flour, white rice and pasta that isn't whole wheat are not considered whole grains. They, of course, are grains just not "whole". Wheat flour, brown rice and whole wheat pasta is the healthiest choice.

Tips on Cooking Grains

Saute or toast whole grain with chopped onion in 1 tablespoon oil before adding liquid. This tastes great with rice, see recipe below.
Use broth or stock for your liquid when cooking.
Use a large pot when cooking grains.
When cooking grain, if it is still not tender and has ran out of liquid add a 1/4 Cup liquid or more. Continue to cook until tender.
You can use a steamer to cook all types of whole grains.
Download this cooking whole grains chart from www.wholegrainscouncil.org for a quick cooking reference.

Whole Grains include:

How to Cook Pasta Properly

Using a large pot, fill half to more than half of the pot with water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Once your water is boiling add a tablespoon of salt, do not add oil. Add pasta and stir to keep the noodles from sticking together. After 5 minutes taste test a noodle. Continue to watch closely. Most noodles take 7-10 minutes to cook. This is the best way to determine whether your pasta is done or not. Drain water off noodles when they are done and serve.

variety of pasta

How to Cook Barley

Bring water to boil in a large pot. Add barley and cook about 30 minutes or until tender. Drain. Barley can be made into a side dish, added to salads or soups. Try this beef and barley soup recipe.

How to Cook Rice

In frying pan brown, 3 Cups of rice in 1 Tablespoon butter and 2 Tablespoons oil. Add in chopped onions or celery. Brown until rice is glassy looking. Add 3 Cups of water or chicken broth to the rice. Cover and cook 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Try this best fried rice recipe with your cooked rice.

How to cook Oatmeal

bowl of oatmeal

Learn how to make whole wheat bread.

loaf of white and wheat bread

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Related Basic Cooking Lesson Pages:
~ Basic Cooking Lessons, ~ Stock and soups, ~ 5 mother sauces, ~ Yeast and baking breads, ~ Herbs and spices, ~ Vegetables, ~ Dry beans, ~ Grains, ~ Eggs, ~ Different cooking methods, ~ Growing an herb garden, ~ How to cook Q&A forum

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