We (heart) book reviews!
Vibrant Wellness Journal was recently send a review copy of Grain Mains by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough from Rodale. This book is beautiful and delicious, offering 101 recipes ranging from simple breakfasts to fancy dinners, all highlighting the wide world of whole grains: amaranth, millet, corn, barley, wheat and more. Weinstein and Scarbrough are long time partners in life and in the kitchen, and they’ve curated a fantastic collection of hearty meals for vegans, vegetarians and for omnivores alike.
Grain Mains: 101 Surprising and Satisfying Whole Grain Recipes for Every Meal of the Day will introduce readers to the wonders of whole grains and makes it easy to incorporate these little powerfoods into, well, every meal of the day. Some of the healthiest people on the planet are those that include whole grains in their diet, and grains have been a staple for cultures around the world for centuries. Why whole grains? As Weinstein and Scarbrough explain, grains and pseudo-grains (such as quinoa and buckwheat) are cheap to buy and easy to cook. But more iportantly, whole grains are full of fiber, help fight off a range of diseases by burning slowly in your body to keep blood sugar regulated, and help you feel fuller longer because of the density of the protein and fiber found in all the grains. In fact, Dr. Greger of Nutrition Facts notes that fiber is one of the most protective factors when fighting off disease. So unless you are on that wacky Paleo diet, get whole grains into your diet today!
The chapters include breakfast (with both weekday and weekend ideas), cold grain mains (salads, rice salads and more), a whole chapter devoted to grain-based veggie burgers and more recipes for casseroles, soups and stews and more. There is a lot of attention to the gluten containing grains here (barley, wheat and it’s variations– spelt, farro, triticale), but there are plenty of recipe that are gluten-free without being complicated. It’s a great cookbook for those just starting or for seasoned cooks looking to add some variety into their meal rotation.
Some of the standout recipes include the Syrian Silha (in photo above), a mix of wheat berries, nuts, coconut and pomegranate seeds for a fun twist on breakfast. The Falafel Burgers and the Millet Burgers (shown on the cover) are also amazing– quick to create and easily made with simple ingredients that can be found in a well-stocked pantry. The most interesting salad is the Spanish-Inspired Black Barley Salad with Chickpeas, dates and Toasted Almonds, looking about as wholesome and hearty as a salad could be!
VWJ would like to thank Rodale for sharing a review copy of the book. You can find out more about this great company with my review of the store on Green Living Ideas, read their publishing site, or in the newly opened online eco-boutique, offering a carefully vetted selection of sustainable fashion, home goods, gifts and books.
Leave a Reply