Whole grains are doubly satisfying because they are more flavorful than conventional grains and they provide added nutritional value. Any ingredient that tastes great and is good for us is a win-win situation in our book. This list features some of our favorite whole grain meals from quinoa to farro to bulgur.
1) Cinnamon Raisin Buckwheat Groats
Prep and schedule this slow cook in the evening and wake up to these delicious cinnamon raisin buckwheat groats. Similar to oats, buckwheat groats make for a truly comforting meal with a chewy yet tender texture. Filled with plump raisins and toasty cinnamon, this recipe is finished with creamy yogurt and fresh peaches, but you could swap in any seasonal fruit.
2) Quinoa con Leche
Quinoa found widespread popularity among health enthusiasts in the early 2010s, but this “mother grain” has been a Peruvian staple for centuries thanks to the crop’s resistance to frost, heat, and high altitude. Quinoa con Leche, or Quinoa Milk Pudding, is a traditional Peruvian dessert made with whole milk and warm spices.
3) Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers
These easy stuffed peppers can be prepped in a flash and ready whenever you are. The southwest spices blend perfectly with the corn, black beans and green chiles. A little cheese mixed into the filling and melted on top makes these peppers irresistible.
4) Chicken & Tomato Stew with Farro
This hearty stew is packed with punchy flavors. Tangy tomatoes, earthy turmeric, warm cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar combine to form the flavorful braising liquid for the chicken. Slow cooking the chicken for over 4 hours further infuses the broth with flavor and makes the thighs tender and juicy.
5) Salmon & Farro Salad
This healthy salmon and farro salad not only provides you with plenty of nutrients but it’s full of flavor. The radicchio lends the dish a bitter, spicy taste that’s balanced by nutty farro and sweet asparagus. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight as everything can be thrown together quickly and filling enough to satisfy a monstrous appetite after a workout or a long day on the job.
6) Mediterranean Chicken Bowl with Bulgur
This delicious grain bowl comes together in a flash thanks to a highly flavorful sauce that pulls double duty as both a marinade and a dressing. Coriander, paprika, and oregano are the three heavy hitters in this delicious sauce and taste great cooked with the chicken and also whisked into the creamy yogurt sauce. Fluffy bulgur and leafy greens make the perfect base for the chicken, cucumber, tomato, and red onion – the dressing ties it all together.
7) Lemon Garlic Chicken with Brown Rice
This lemon garlic chicken is delicious, yet simple to prepare. Sous viding the chicken in a mixture of garlic, lemon, and olive oil produces a highly flavorful oil that can be whipped into a vinaigrette for use on rice, grains, greens, or vegetables. We have paired our chicken with brown rice, but bulgur, couscous, or barley would make great substitutes.
8) Shrimp Stir Fry with Brown Rice
For a quick and delicious dinner try this easy shrimp stir-fry. We love the combination of bell pepper and snow peas, but you can use any vegetable you like, just be sure to slice the vegetables thinly enough to ensure they cook through completely. Our stir fry sauce is a cinch to make, but if you want to make this recipe faster and easier you can use store-bought stir-fry sauce instead.
