These six whole grains are high in protein and make great pantry staples.
Stock your pantry with these grains to whip up a healthy dinner in a pinch.
Many people are surprised to learn that grains are a significant source of protein.
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Not only that, protein contributes to satiety, keeping you full long after eating.
It also plays a role in regulating blood sugar after a meal and keeping energy levels high and consistent.
These nutrients play different roles in metabolism, energy levels and nervous system function.
Whole grains are budget-friendly, easy to cook and fit into a variety of recipes.
Quinoa is a gluten-free grain with a nutty flavor.
you’re free to also add it tovegetable soupsfor a protein boost.
Wild rice
Believe it or not, wild rice is not rice, but rather a wild-grown grass.
It has6.5 grams of protein per cup cooked, and it has a very nutty flavor.
More often than not, wild rice is found in a blend with other rices or grains.
Amaranth
Amaranth is a tiny protein-packed grain with an interesting texture.
When cooked, it’s soft, like a polenta or porridge.
But it can also be popped like popcorn and added to cereals and granola.
Amaranth has an impressive nutrient profile, with9 grams of proteinin a cup cooked.
It also contains the amino acid lysine, which is missing from most grains.
Sorghum
Sorghum doesn’t get the love it deserves.
It’s gluten-free and has a chewy texture.
To cook sorghum, boil uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes.
It’s the perfect base for a grain bowl or complement to a hearty salad.
it’s possible for you to also use it as a replacement for pearled couscous in any dish.
Like amaranth, you might also pop it like popcorn and enjoy the crunchy texture.
Teff
Teff is the smallest grain in the world.
Although it’s tiny, it has a mighty nutrition profile, with10 grams of proteinper one cup cooked.
Teff also has plenty of calcium, vitamin B6, zinc, iron, magnesium and fiber.
When cooked, teff has a soft consistency, similar to cream of wheat.
It cooks in just 15 to 20 minutes and can be used for polenta, casseroles or veggie burgers.
Teff flour also lends itself to baked goods, like brownies, cookies and breads.
One cup of cooked farro has12 grams of protein, and it also contains iron and fiber.
Farro has a chewy texture, and it’s slightly bigger than barley.
It cooks in about 30 minutes and makes the perfect hearty grain for asalador pairing it with aprotein.
Farro can also be used as a replacement for rice inrisotto.
Many whole grains even work in breakfast cereals, granola, polenta and desserts.
Stock your pantry with these six whole grains to add moremuscle-building proteinto your weekly meal plan.
