Cooking with Whole Grains
By Anna Nichole | Dish Well Treats
There’s something undeniably wholesome about cooking with whole grains. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and packed with the kind of nourishment your body actually craves. Whether it’s quinoa, brown rice, barley, or farro, these grains are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support healthy digestion, steady energy, and long-lasting fullness. And let’s be honest—once you learn a few simple tricks, they’re also super easy to make! The first thing to remember is to rinse your grains well before cooking. Quinoa especially has a natural coating called saponin that can taste bitter if you don’t wash it off, and giving your grains a quick rinse also helps remove any dust or residue.
Next, instead of boiling them in plain water, try using vegetable or chicken broth for extra depth and flavor. Trust me—this one little swap can totally transform your grains from a basic side dish into the star of the meal. Once cooked, let them sit covered for a few minutes to finish absorbing liquid and fluff up just right. Whole grains are incredibly versatile too—quinoa makes a perfect base for a fresh veggie salad, brown rice goes beautifully in stir-fries or alongside roasted veggies, and barley adds a comforting chew to soups and stews. Even at breakfast, you can enjoy warm bowls of oats or farro with a touch of cinnamon and fruit.
Beyond the kitchen, choosing whole grains is also a spiritual reminder to honor the body God gave you. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Each time we prepare food that fuels us well, we’re practicing gratitude and stewardship. Even something as simple as a bowl of rice becomes an offering of care—for ourselves and for the people we feed. So the next time you’re planning your meals, don’t shy away from these earthy, nourishing grains. Embrace them.
Let them fill your table with texture, flavor, and goodness straight from God’s creation. Healthy living doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be faithful.