Try these Gluten Free Grains… and a Quick Recipe

So many of us are weary about eating carbs, however it’s important to know that there are great health benefits to some carbs (meaning whole grains, not packaged carbs) – and some are more nutritious than others. The problem is not carbohydrates, it’s the processed, sugary, fake foods that are the problem. So let’s breakdown grains.

Benefits of whole grains

• Can help you maintain a steady blood sugar level (opposite of what sugar filled foods do)

• Leave you feeling fuller

• They are packed with fiber, minerals and nutrients.

• The body absorbs them slowly and therefore provide much longer lasting energy.*

Soak your grains first!

All grains contain phytic acid in the outer layer of the grain. It combines with certain minerals in the body and can block the absorption in the intestines. This can lead to digestive disorders, mineral deficiencies and bone loss.

Solution:
Soak your grains in warm water for 8 hours. This will neutralize the phytic acid and increase the nutritional benefits. If you don’t have time to soak them, at least rinse them first.* If you don’t have time, simply give them a good rinse before cooking.

Wheat sensitivities

The most common grain in our culture is wheat. Many people have an allergy to wheat and do not know it. It can cause bloating, constipation or gas. Sometimes it takes awhile to experience these symptoms and sometimes it’s immediate. Wheat is highly subsidized by the government, and therefore, it’s in almost every packaged food. If you think you’re sensitive to wheat, try cutting it out of your diet for a few weeks and see how you feel. There are many gluten free grains to enjoy.

The following are gluten free grains.

• Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”)
• Amaranth
• Millet
• Buckwheat (yes, it’s wheat free)
• Brown Rice

Quinoa is one of my favorites because it has lots of protein and lots of vitamins. It has about 6 grams of protein per serving, and lots of fiber. It tastes good too, and is easy to make. Make sure to rinse the grains because they have a natural herbicide. Soak if you have time. Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 cup of quinoa. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Done!

Serving and recipe ideas:

Add chopped mint, kalamata olives, feta or goat cheese and chopped tomatoes.

• Add avocado slices, black beans, and chopped cilantro with a little salsa or chopped tomatoes.

• Drizzle olive oil and chopped parsley.

• Eat it plain!

Check out this recipe for Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers from Vegetarian Times.  We made some substitutions for seasonings, and left out the sun dried tomatoes but they were delicious! Here’s the recipe for quick reference.

Here’s our finished product – with tons of avocado because avocado makes everything better!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quinoa

• 1 small onion, finely chopped (1 cup)

• 6 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (1/4 cup)

• 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained, divided

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

• 2 tsp. dried steak seasoning

• 8 whole-grain hamburger buns

Directions: 

1. Stir together quinoa and 1 1/2 cups water in small saucepan, and season with salt, if desired. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. (You should have 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa.)
2. Meanwhile, place onion and sun-dried tomatoes in medium nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat. (The oil left on the tomatoes should be enough to sauté the onion.) Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until onion has softened. Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, garlic, steak seasoning, and 11/2 cups water. Simmer 9 to 11 minutes, or until most of liquid has evaporated.
3. Transfer bean-onion mixture to food processor, add 3/4 cup cooked quinoa, and process until smooth. Transfer to bowl, and stir in remaining 3/4 cup quinoa and remaining 3/4 cup black beans. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and cool.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F, and generously coat baking sheet with cooking spray. Shape bean mixture into 8 patties (1/2 cup each), and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, or until patties are crisp on top. Flip patties with spatula, and bake 10 minutes more, or until both sides are crisp and brown. Serve on buns.Try them for dinner and let me know what you think!