Sample Whole Grain Mix Recipe:

• 2 cups millet
• 2 cups buckwheat
• 2 cups Israeli or whole wheat couscous
• 1 cup amaranth
• 1 cup red quinoa
• 1 cup black quinoa
• 1 cup regular quinoa (tan color, or 3 cups if you can’t find red and black)
• 1 cup Polenta

This is just one example of a whole grain mix, but one I like very much.  You don’t have to use this exact mix.   Instead, decide how much of which grains to use based on what you can find, afford, and like.  But the wider the variety, the more you are adding more varieties of fiber, and each grain has differing amounts and kinds of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy oils as well.

You can also add cañahua (Berkeley Bowl East) or teff (San Francisco Rainbow grocery).

I don’t add nuts or seeds because then I’d have to refrigerate this mix, and I already have a jar of Super Seed Mix in the freezer.

Add Whole Grain Mix to just about every recipe

Throw this fast-cooking whole grain mix into soups 14 minutes before serving.  Add up to 1 or 2 tablespoons per cup of flour to bread, muffin, cake, cookie, and pancake batter.

Whole Grain Mix for crackers & chips

Smaller grains like millet, quinoa, amaranth, and teff work best.  If you want to use Israeli couscous or buckwheat, scatter them by hand after you’ve poured the batter out (the same is true for other large items such as sunflower seeds, pepitas, pine nuts, chopped nuts)

Whole Grain Mix makes a great side dish

Use 2 parts water or stock to 1 part whole grain mix, bring to a boil, and simmer 14 minutes. On its own these grains are bland, so add onion, garlic, pesto, spices, flavorings, or a sauce.

Whole Grain Mix as a main course

Top with stir fried vegetables, salmon, tomatoes & greens, shrimp, meat, stews, and so on.

Video: DIY Whole Grain Mix for homemade crackers and chips

This is an easy way to start using whole grains, so I hope you’ll put a jar of Whole Grain Mix on your shelf or counter. They cook as fast or faster than pasta and rice.

Check out these photos of how appealing they’ll make your Crunch! chips and crackers look. Plus they add lots of fiber and are delicious & nutritious.