5 Quirky Grain Switch-Ups You've Got to Try

Food Network Kitchen's  Farro Fried Rice For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Food Network Kitchen's Farro Fried Rice For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Food Network Kitchen's Farro Fried Rice For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Amazing grains, how sweet the sound! (That is how the song goes … right?) Either way, there’s no denying the awesome powers of whole grains. Beyond the obvious health benefits of swapping them in for pasta, white rice and more, using grains as a nourishing alternative brings a welcome quirkiness to your go-to side dishes.

1: Take the rice out of your fried rice by using farro instead.

The glory of digging fried rice out of a takeout container could never be fully replaced, but making a good grain swap is a sure way to keep things interesting. Look to farro, an Italian grain of wheat that’s satisfyingly tender and chewy, for Healthy Farro Fried “Rice” (pictured above) that ups the texture of the classic Asian staple.

FNK SLOW COOKER MUSHROOM BARLEY RISOTTO

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

2: Swap barley into your risotto.

Besides bringing the health perks of using barley instead of Arborio rice, Slow-Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto also manages to achieve the same creamy, starchy consistency as regular risotto without the constant, laborious stirring over a hot stove.

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis

Full Recipe Name: Quinoa Pilaf

Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiisâ   Quinoa Pilaf, as seen on Giada at Home

FNK Recipe: 

Project: Foodnetwork.com, Back to School/Sandwich Central/Dinner and a Movie/Sides

Show Name: Giada at Home


Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

GiadaDeLaurentiis_QuinoaPilaf_H

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis Full Recipe Name: Quinoa Pilaf Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Quinoa Pilaf, as seen on Giada at Home FNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, Back to School/Sandwich Central/Dinner and a Movie/Sides Show Name: Giada at Home Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

Photo by: Renee Comet ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Renee Comet, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Chef Name: Giada De Laurentiis Full Recipe Name: Quinoa Pilaf Talent Recipe: Giada De Laurentiis’ Quinoa Pilaf, as seen on Giada at Home FNK Recipe: Project: Foodnetwork.com, Back to School/Sandwich Central/Dinner and a Movie/Sides Show Name: Giada at Home Food Network / Cooking Channel: Food Network

3: There’s more to pilaf than rice.

Pilaf is traditionally made by simmering rice in broth, but Quinoa Pilaf comes with a notable nuttiness. Though technically a seed, quinoa is often grouped in with the whole grains in terms of prep, and it adds yet another layer of flavor to Giada De Laurentiis’ Mediterranean-inspired dish of bell peppers, mint, cucumber and lemon zest.

Food Network Kitchen's Toasted Millet Tabbouleh for Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Food Network Kitchen's Toasted Millet Tabbouleh for Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Food Network Kitchen's Toasted Millet Tabbouleh for Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

4: Using bulgur may keep with tradition, but millet works as a stellar alternative base.

Instead of bulgur-based tabbouleh, Toasted Millet Tabbouleh comes with a great source of plant protein and is also gluten-free. Since millet is so delicate, toasting it before simmering it in liquid keeps it sturdy, while cooking untoasted millet will result in a creamy porridge-like consistency.

Food Network Kitchen's Mexican Green Quinoa For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Food Network Kitchen's Mexican Green Quinoa For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Food Network Kitchen's Mexican Green Quinoa For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

5: Instead of cooking up some rice to accompany your taco night, consider using quinoa.

Complement an indulgent Tex-Mex meal with a lighter alternative: jalapeno-spiked Mexican Green Quinoa mixed with cilantro and spinach.

Get more grain recipes from our friends:

Weelicious: Mushroom Barley

Virtually Homemade: Easy Yellow Rice

Feed Me Phoebe: Maple-Chia Overnight Oatmeal

The Wimpy Vegetarian: Mujadara with Roasted Tomatoes and Greens

Jeanette’s Healthy Living: Indian Spiced Quinoa Pilaf with Peas

The Heritage Cook: White and Wild Rice Pilaf

The Mom 100: Red Quinoa Salad with Arugula, Artichoke Hearts and Olives

Napa Farmhouse 1885: Wild Mushroom, Sweet Pepper & Leek Risotto

Red or Green: Spicy Barley Risotto

Taste with the Eyes: Brown Rice Noodles paired with Tamarind Fish

The Cultural Dish: Three Ways to Make Risotto

Creative Culinary: Rice and Egg Bowl with Salmon and Peas

Swing Eats: Stir-Fried Quinoa with Chinese Vegetables

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