Healthy add-ins that pair perfectly with rice, quinoa, polenta and more
Do you have a hard time getting enough whole grains into your diet on a regular basis? Perhaps you need more inspiration. Next time you find yourself underwhelmed by the grains in your cupboard, consider these ideas.
You can add any of these flavor combos to 2 to 4 cups cooked grains, including rice, barley, bulgur, polenta and quinoa. Season each to taste with salt and pepper.
Apricot-nut
Stir in ⅓ cup chopped dried apricots, ¼ cup chopped toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans or pistachios), 3 tablespoons orange juice and 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil.
Peas and lemon
Stir in 1 cup frozen peas; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest.
Spicy and sweet sesame-soy
Stir in 3 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 teaspoons each sesame oil and finely chopped fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon each chile-garlic sauce and honey, and ¼ cup chopped toasted cashews.
Mint and feta
Stir in ¾ cup sliced scallions, ¼ cup finely crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup sliced fresh mint.
Tomato-tarragon
Stir in ¾ cup chopped tomatoes and 3 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon (or parsley or thyme).
Lime-cilantro
Stir in ⅔ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, ⅓ cup chopped scallions and 2 tablespoons lime juice.
Parmesan and balsamic
Stir in ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon butter and 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar.
Mediterranean
Stir in 1 chopped medium tomato, ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives and ½ teaspoon herbes de Provence.