Breakfast Grain Bowls

Breakfast is such an important meal of the day.  We actually are “Breaking a Fast”meaning that we have slept for hours and our bodies even though we have been on shut down still are burning calories all night long.  We need to fuel up and start the day right.  

Most Americans start the day with junk foods for breakfast.  Cold cereal, pop tarts, Eggo waffles, donuts, and a variety of other quick foods that fill the belly, but add no nutrition at all to the body. 

Children especially need nutrition to start the day. I have asked many school teachers what it is like first thing in the morning at school.  All have reported to me that most of the children are starving by midmorning and many when they arrive. Morning times are so hectic trying to get kids out the door. And it’s understandable to feed them something quickly on the way out the door. But what if there was a quick option that was delicious and filling?

I have found that once again grains can be trusted to supply just what we need to feed our families.  They are packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. When they are eaten, they last in the body. Whole grains take longer to process, burning more calories and fueling the body to function better.  

One of the tricks about whole grains is that you have to cook them up first and have them on hand.  Having a grain cooked up makes it so easy to make grain bowls. Most grains work really well. I have tried them all, from quinoa to oat groats. My personal favorites are brown rice, Kamut, and barley. These work really well for breakfast.  

It’s really simple. I cook my grain up in the pressure cooker and once cooled down I put them in an air tight container in the refrigerator. They will keep up to a week.  So essentially what I am doing in the morning is pulling the grains out and reheating them, adding nuts, raisins, fruit, and topping them after they are warmed up with yogurt, agave, and fruit. It just depends on how I feel. It literally only takes a moment to warm up and the end result is a wonderfully tasty healthy breakfast.  

Grains bowls will be a game changer in your home. They are fast, and filled with all the goodness your family needs to stay strong and healthy. Try different grains and find what your family really likes.  

Click the link on the side bar and check out the selection of grains at my grain store.  

Enjoy-Chef Brad America’s Grain Guy

For cooking grains in your pressure cooker

• 2 cups whole grain 
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon good salt

Turn on the pressure cooker to high pressure on desired amount of time. See cooking chart. When pan is hot add oil and grains. Gently toast grain in oil. When desired toasting is done, add water and salt. Place lid on pressure cooker and cook desired time. Let pressure do natural release and chill to room temperature and place in air tight container and keep chilled.  

For cooking grains stove top in a sauce pan

• 2 cups whole grains 
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Place your sauce pan on the stove top and high heat.  Add oil and grains.  Toast, stirring constantly.  Add water and salt.  Place lid on pan and reduce heat to low.  Simmer until done.  See Grains Cooking Chart. 

Now you have the grains cooked here are some great recipes.  They work well with cooked grains.  Having the grains cooked up makes this a fast and easy, healthy meal.  I use this idea for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  It is endless what you can do once you get the process down. 

Create your bowl

1. In a large sauté pan add a couple tablespoons of coconut oil.  
2. Add desired amount of brown rice, Kamut or chilled grain of your choice, that you made previously, and stir until grain is lightly toasted. 
3. Remove from heat and place grain in a bowl. 
4. Add a scoop of yogurt on top of grain, cover with fresh fruit and drizzle with Xagave.  
5. Enjoy!