A great hack for a quick and easy meal...
I’m a big fan of whole grains and legumes and use them several times a week in my meals. They provide a wide range of minerals, vitamins, and protein, but more importantly they are a terrific source of fibre. Increasing our fibre intake is the best way to move toxins through the system and helps to reduce cholesterol and prevent many diseases. Dr Michael Greger, author of How Not to Die, has suggested that we should be eating 3 servings of beans and legumes each day!
I recognise that soaking them makes them easier to digest but I don’t always have the time or forethought to do that, let alone the time it takes just to cook them! If you’re looking for a super quick and easy way to throw together a meal just have a look at these packets of grains and legumes.
In the UK The Food Doctor, Merchant Gourmet, Mothergrain, and now each of the big supermarkets are doing plastic packs of already cooked grains and legumes. These are free of additives and simply vacuum packed (like cooked beans in a tin but without the BPA) so they are ready to use and tick all the clean-eating boxes.
There are countless ways to use the different varieties available. Some of my favourites:
- Food Doctor Quinoa – add coconut milk, some coconut yogurt, and garnish with coconut curls, pomegranate, flax and raw cacao nibs for breakfast
- Lentils – top with grilled courgette (zucchini), asparagus and a poached egg with a herby vinaigrette for lunch
- Mixed grains and legumes – use in place of pasta and top with your favourite homemade bolognaise
- Any grain – sprinkle on top of salad
- Any grain – combine with roasted vegetables and sprinkle with feta and pumpkin seeds
- Spelt – top with any thick sauce or vegetable curry. Spelt provides such a great chewy texture.
- Lentils – serve alongside grilled piece of fish and salsa verde
- Quinoa – use to stuff squash
Have a go and see what you can come up with. I'd love to hear about your successes. Wishing you good health!