simple multigrain pilaf

Quick and easy any-grain pilaf

With only a few extra minutes, a quick grain side dish can go from a filler on the dinner plate to something exciting.

Here, I’ve used Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains—a blend of Israeli Couscous, red quinoa, baby chickpeas, and orzo, but the formula is the same for any grain, or combination of grains, that you’d like to serve. When combining grains, just be sure to choose those that require the same cooking time. If not, cook them separately and then combine them at the end.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of the grain of your choice

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (or change the flavor profile with coconut oil!)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 1—2 cloves garlic, minced

• the stock of your choice—chicken, no-chicken, or vegetable,

  Follow the package instructions for the water-to-product ratio

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• Optional: diced carrot, celery, bell peppers, green peas, mushrooms, fresh herbs, matchstick carrots, corn kernels, slivered almonds, dried fruit…

Method:

• Warm the butter or oil in a saucepan. Add the onion and sautée until soft and translucent.

• Add the garlic and any optional ingredients you’d like to add, and sauté for another minute.

• Add the cup of grain and the salt and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or so, in order for each grain to absorb the oil and be a little toasted.

• Add the stock and bring it to a boil. Then cover the pot, turn the heat to low, and cook for the time recommended for the product.

• Fluff with a fork and serve.