Cook Whole Grains Quicker

Learn easy ways to make sure these nutritious foods are ready to eat when you are

Whole grains are one food we need more of in our diets. In addition to providing fiber and roughage, whole grains add variety and nutty flavors to meals.

A favorite way to eat whole grains is for breakfast. Adding your own nuts, raisins, or fresh or dried fruits makes for one of the healthiest and best tasting “clean” breakfasts ever.

One of the complaints about cooking whole grains, however, is that it takes a long time—something you don't always have first thing in the morning. Here are two tips for speeding up the process.

Tip #1: Use a Thermos Bottle

Before you go to bed, place ½ cup of grain (or combination of grains) in a thermos and pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Screw on the top and lay the thermos on its side. In the morning, your breakfast will be ready. (This works great for cold mornings when camping out—a few added nuts and pieces of dried fruit and you're ready to start the day!)

A pint thermos makes just enough for two big servings. If you need servings for four, double the amounts and use a one-quart thermos.

Tip #2: Start the Night Before

The other easy way to cook whole grains is similar to cooking hard legumes or beans. The night before, put ½ cup of grain in a saucepan with 1 cup of cool or room-temperature water. Let the grain soak until morning. Then simply heat the mixture for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.

You can buy both whole grains and cracked and milled grains at health food stores.

See more substitutions and cooking tips or browse all recipes.