NNMC Whole Grains: Try Grain Salads

Making a grain salad is a versatile method for preparing and serving your favorite whole grains. They can include fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, beans, and meats and can be served hot or cold. Also, you can use them as your main dish or a side and they work great as leftovers because the flavors meld together even more while it hangs out in fridge. I came up with this recipe as my last hurrah for winter, incorporating some of my favorite cold weather veggies. Enjoy!

Farro Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

serves 4-6 as main dish, 8-12 as side dish

Ingredients

2 cups dry farro

5 cups water

1.25 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

6 oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded*

1 teaspoon organic, pastured butter

3/4 cup raw almonds, chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Add farro and water to a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer until cooked, about 30 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, toss sweet potato cubes with extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in oven for 30 minutes, or until softened.

4. Add butter to a medium pan and heat on medium high heat. Cook Brussels sprouts until browned, 5-10 minutes.

5. Strain excess water off farro and add to a large bowl. Then add the sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, almonds, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix together and serve.

*To shred the Brussels sprouts, I trimmed the ends, cut each sprout in half, and then thinly sliced from the trimmed end to the top.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Waffles

I don't know that I've ever met anyone that doesn't enjoy a good waffle. With their toasty goodness and those cute little indentations that are perfect for holding maple syrup, what's not to love? Also, they can be eaten with tons of yummy toppings including nuts, fresh berries, and sliced bananas. I'm also a fan because you can make a big batch on the weekend and then freeze some for an easy breakfast that simply requires a quick trip to the toaster.

So, what better way to spruce up a classic than with a little sweet potato? This orange veggie is a source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Manganese, and fiber. Plus, when you go the extra step to buy them from a local farmer, the taste is unbelievable.

To make these, simply replace the oil in your favorite whole wheat waffle recipe (for the one I used, click here) with pureed sweet potatoes. I peeled and  thinly sliced my sweet potatoes and then steamed them, rather than boiling, to prevent nutrients from leaching into the water. Once they were soft, I just wizzed them up in the blender.

Also, here's a tip. You can replace the oil in just about any baked good with a puree. Ever heard of people using applesauce in their cookies? Well, this is the same idea. Now, you all know I'm not a fat hater, so by no means am I suggesting that all oil should be replaced in this way. But, if you want to play with different flavors or bump up the nutrients in a recipe, now you know the secret!