Herbed Savory Grain (Printable)

Tender grains with fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon create a fragrant, wholesome side dish for any table.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup farro, bulgur, or brown rice
02 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water

→ Aromatics

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped

→ Herbs & Flavorings

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse the grains under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
02 - In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed grains and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
04 - Pour in the broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the grains are tender and liquid is absorbed (cooking time may vary based on grain choice).
05 - Remove from heat. Fluff the grains with a fork. Stir in parsley, thyme, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of fresh herbs and lemon makes even simple grains taste restaurant-worthy
  • It transforms humble ingredients into something that feels special without any fancy techniques
  • The recipe adapts easily to whatever grain you have in your pantry
02 -
  • Different grains absorb liquid differently so check a few minutes early if you are using quinoa or barley
  • The grains continue cooking slightly as they sit so remove from heat when they are just done not falling apart
03 -
  • Toast your grains slightly longer if you want a deeper nuttier flavor profile
  • Let the finished dish sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld

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