Great Grains!

Looking for an easy, healthy side dish with dinner? Look no further...

These two grain dishes go beautifully with grilled chicken, fish or chickpeas.

They are quick to cook and well liked my young food critics.

Whole wheat couscous with orange zest and pistachio

serves 4

Couscous is a tiny pasta, so technically it is not a whole grain. Regardless of its categorization, it is high in protein and fiber, so it measures up pretty well.

1/2 cup whole wheat couscous

1/2 cup boiling water

2 tbsp. finely chopped scallions

1/2 tsp. grated orange zest

Pinch of sea salt

1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts, lightly toasted

Place the couscous in a medium bowl.

Pour in he water and cover the bowl with a plate. Let stand for 30 minutes or until water is absorbed. Stir in the scallion and orange zest, and add a pinch of salt to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with pistachio nuts.

Bulgur with Olive Oil and Lemon

serves 4

1/2 cup bulgur

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Pinch of sea salt

1/4 cup finely minced fresh parsley

Place the bulgur in a medium bowl. Pour in the water and cover the bowl with a plate. Let stand for 30 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice, and add sea salt to taste. Stir in the parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.