Mini Storecupboard Challenge: Day 4

Day four of our healthy mini storecupboard challenge today, and we’re going to eat some carbs! More accurately, we’re going to hunt down some wholegrains in the cupboard, pantry or larder.

Cereals have been getting a bad rap for the last few years, even though most good quality scientific studies tend to suggest that diets with wholegrains in them are healthy. It seems unrealistic to say that all grains are poison to all people, although you’d be forgiven for becoming confused with all the cobblers that certain ‘wellness gurus’ spout.

It’s up to you whether you include the whole or rolled grain, grain flakes or some grain flour, but there are so many storecupboard staples to try today.

Here are a few things you might have lurking at the back of those shelves:

• wholemeal (wheat) flour
• rolled oats
• rye flour
• spelt flour
• brown rice
• rice flour
• buckwheat grains
• soba noodles
• brown rice noodles
• wholewheat pasta
• barley
• wild rice
• wholegrain breakfast cereals
• bulgur wheat
• millet
• polenta (unrefined type)

You can also include almost-grains like:

• quinoa
• chia seeds

If you’ve been diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, you can substitute a gluten free product such as corn pasta, coconut flour or whatever else you’re able to tolerate.

There’s so much to choose from it might be difficult to decide what to make. Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas:

• Wholemeal pizza or calzone
• Pasta or noodle salad
• Curry and rice
• Rice or quinoa pilaf
• Crust for a quiche
• Grilled polenta
• Soup or casserole with pearl barley

I’m sure you can think of plenty more too, but that’s something to get you started off.

There’s one tiny portion of quinoa left in the cupboard here, and it’s been lying around for months. I know, I know… we’re not exactly what you’d be able to describe as a big quinoa household…

This evening I think I’m going to make a salad that, plus some steamed green soya beans, and a few veggies from the garden including chinese radishes and spring onions. I have half a lime lying around for some lime-soy dressing and I bet that’s all going to be fresh and delicious. Can’t wait.

Did you find any weird or wonderful wholegrains in your storecupboard at home? What are you going to cook?