Cooking Grains

1 grain The easiest way to cook grains is to rinse first in a colander under cold water until water runs clear. Then place in a fixed quantity of water (2 parts water for 1 part grain), bring to a rapid boil and lower heat to a simmer. Cover, si mmer according to package directions and don't be tempted to stir. (Stirring ma kes a mushy end product.) This method is particularly well suited to softer gra ins, like quinoa. To speed cooking of hard grains like barley and wheat berries , soak several hours in cold water to cover. Then cook in a large open pot of b oiling water, (see package directions). Then check out our recipes for some gre at grain-and-veggie combinations.