Grain bowls are a hot new food trend (especially with this hot new summer weather), but here at the mill, we'vealways been all about the grains. Tasty, simple to prepare and packed full of nutrients, grains also pair well with all kinds of proteins and seasonal vegetables--no matter which season you're in! For example, in the summer, you could pair chewy farro with baby greens, garbanzo beans, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh pesto. In the winter, you could pair that same farro with kale, shredded chicken, roasted butternut squash, toasted hazelnuts and a maple vinaigrette. Have you seen our spiffy new Grain Bowls page? We've got tons of how-tos and inspiration, plus we have a new, freeBuild a Better Grain Bowle-book with six delicious grain bowl recipes (check out the photos, below)--to get it, just enter your email address on our landing page. Make sure to vote for your favorite bowl while you're there! [caption id="attachment_1169374" align="alignleft" width="350"] TexMex Quinoa and Bulgur[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1169373" align="alignright" width="350"] Mediterranean Sorghum Bowl[/caption] However, one of the best things about grain bowls is you don't really need recipes. Just look through your pantry and refrigerator and follow a few simple steps, and you'll be on your way to grain bowl nirvana! STEP 1Choose Your Grain:Select one or a mix cup total cooked. Check out our guide to grains below! STEP 2Go Green:Add 1 cup of leafy greens like arugula, kale, whatever you like! STEP 3Pick a Protein:Either 3 oz. cooked meat, seafood or egg or cup plant-based protein like beans or tofu. STEP 4Pile on Some Produce: Choose three to four of your favorite veggies, about 1/4 cup each. STEP 5Finishing Touches: The sky's the limit (although if you're counting calories, tread carefully)! Add extras like cheese, nuts, seeds, herbs and dressings. [caption id="attachment_1169369" align="alignright" width="350"] Breakfast Bulgur and Millet[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1169371" align="alignleft" width="350"] Rainbow Vegetable Buckwheat Bowl[/caption]

Guide to Grains

You may not be surprised to hear that we have alot of opinions about grains--we love them! But we understand that the sheer variety of textures and flavors we offer may be a little overwhelming. That's why we put together this handy-dandy guide to grains so you can quickly choose which one is right for your next grain bowl. [caption id="attachment_1169391" align="alignright" width="175"] Buckwheat[/caption] Amaranth: A complete protein with an earthy, nutty flavor. Gluten free, fiber rich. Cooks in 20 minutes. Buckwheat: Mild, grassy flavor thats intensified by roasting or toasting. Gluten free. Cooks in 10 minutes. Bulgur: A nutty-flavored grain with a chewy texture, packed with fiber and protein. Cooks in 12 minutes. [caption id="attachment_1169393" align="alignright" width="175"] Farro[/caption] Farro: Hearty and chewy, with a rich, nutty flavor. Good source of iron! Cooks in 30 minutes. Kamut: Pleasantly chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor. High in protein! Cooks in 30-60 minutes. Millet: Cooks quickly with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Gluten free.Cooks in 20 minutes. [caption id="attachment_1169397" align="alignright" width="175"] Tricolor Quinoa[/caption] Quinoa: Fluffy texture, mild flavor. Gluten free. Provides iron and high-quality protein. Cooks in 12-20 minutes. Sorghum: Gluten free, with a hearty texture and mild flavor. Delicious popped! Cooks in 50-60 minutes. Spelt: Chewy, with a sweet, nutlike flavor. Offers fiber, protein and magnesium! Cooks in 40-80 minutes. Teff: Mild and nutty. Packed with iron, calcium, protein and fiber. Gluten free. Cooks in 15-20 minutes. [caption id="attachment_1169372" align="alignleft" width="350"] Sesame Shrimp Millet and Quinoa Bowl[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1169370" align="alignright" width="350"] Pesto and Farro Bowl[/caption] Keep a container (or several) of delicious cooked grains in your refrigerator, and you're minutes away from a fresh, nutritious meal that's beautiful, to boot! Speaking of which, we want you to show us your grain bowl game! Make sure to tag your gorgeous pictures with #BobsGrainBowl on Instagram--we'll post it on our grain bowl page for inspiration! Are you a grain bowl addict? What are your favorite add-ins? Share them below!