One-Upping Whole Grains

January 14, 2009

If you like to cook for yourself but have trouble finding the time, there are a couple of staples you should keep in your kitchen cabinet. Quinoa and buckwheat are two protein-packed, fast-cooking, whole-grain-like foods that make a nutritious base for any meal. Compared to brown rice, which takes 30 to 50 minutes to cook, these simmer up in just 12-15. And both are so good for you. Known as “complete proteins,” they contain all nine essential amino acids–including tissue-repairing, muscle-building lysine–which not many whole grains can boast. Throw into a stir-fry, sprinkle in salads and soups, or try as an alternative to hot oatmeal with dried fruit, nuts, and honey. The only downside–both can be bland on their own, so make sure you’re stocked up on seasonings, like sesame seeds, cilantro, chopped veggies, and lime.