How I build a grain bowl

My steps and tips for a delicious one every time.

Photo by Johnny Miller (outtake from At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen)

First, I have to talk about my love of brown rice as an ideal grain bowl base. I adore the humble grain so much that I could have dedicated this post to the beauty of a simple bowl of brown rice. I know my bewitchment for brown rice is not news to you all, I talk about it frequently as this grain is the basis of the most satisfying, throw together meals that come out of my kitchen. I’m set when I have a pot sitting on the back burner. The nutty, sweet smell alone puts me at ease. If you really want to find joy in a simple bowl, let it sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking. Then spoon it out, scooping from top to bottom so you get the full array of the layers. Add a few drops of tamari, a scattering of freshly chopped chives and some toasted sesame seeds or gomasio (it’s gotta be homemade). Heaven. Perhaps this is the ideal paired down grain bowl? It is, after all, how I first fell in love with the brown rice as a teenager living in a shared house in Sydney. I remember eating it on the stoop early one summer morning before the rest of the house awoke. I was so taken by the joy I was getting from every mouthful that that moment has never left me—and I don’t even think I added chives.

Back then, I didn’t know that it’s best to soak grains overnight to increase the nutrients you absorb; nor did I know about sweet brown rice—which is a welcome addition. However, it was (and is) still delicious and I would never turn down a bowl.

The suggestion to write about building a grain bowl came from a reader who travelled a few hours to attend my book event. We were all chatting about a class I taught at the same venue on grain bowls almost a decade ago and how it blew the mind of the host, Matthew White. He remembers all the vibrant colors and textures and how they were nothing he had ever seen or tasted. Although those show stopping bowls require a bit of advance planning, you can apply the same ideas to the simplest grain bowl.

I enjoyed breaking down how I approach these daily grain-based meals for you here (and traveling down memory lane to recall that long ago Sydney morning). Of course there are a million variations and you can allow your cravings to lead you, more often than not, ending up with something very satisfying.

I will be making a grain bowl live Friday May 30th @ 1pm EST for paid subscribers. Bring your questions or add them to the comments. The replay will be sent out later that day if you can’t make it. I’ll also be sharing my steps and tips for making the best brown rice (ever) and how I make grain bowls for a crowd.

Thanks for reading.

Amy, xo