free from gluten and the top 8 food allergens<\/p><\/div>\n

Get ready as sorghum prepares to take us by storm.<\/p>\n

This grain which originated in Egypt 4,000 years ago, could be the world’s most versatile crop. A staple food in India, Africa, China and other countries for centuries, sorghum is becoming more and more recognized in the United States for its diversity in food.<\/p>\n

We love cooking with sorghum and are excited about sharing one of our favorite grains, which packs a healthy punch.<\/p>\n

Get hooked on sorghum with this Thai Sorghum Bowl!<\/p>\n

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Sorghum’s Versatility<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sorghum is used around the world in porridges, stews, flatbreads, tortillas and beverages. It’s also made into sugars and syrups, and malted like barley in the production of beer. For those popcorn lovers, you can even pop sorghum and make your favorite flavors.<\/p>\n

One of the growing commercial uses in the U.S. for sorghum is in gluten-free flours. It best imitates wheat in texture and taste. Flour blends that contain sorghum flour are outperforming the blends from the early days of gluten-free baking. This mighty grain has come center stage in recent years with the increase of celiac disease, gluten sensitivities and those following a gluten-free diet.<\/p>\n

Sorghum has a lot more going on than just being gluten-free. This easy to grow, drought tolerant crop is environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n

More Beneficial Than Blueberries\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to a study from the University of Georgia, certain varieties of sorghum bran have greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than foods such as blueberries and pomegranates. This healthy grain retains the majority of its nutrients since it doesn’t have an inedible hull like many other grains.<\/p>\n

In addition, sorghum is a great source for protein, iron, vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n

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The Oldways Whole Grains Council<\/a> organized a conference in Chicago in 2016, focusing on whole grains in foodservice. Chef Coleen Connelly from InHarvest<\/a> did a demo using sorghum. InHarvest supplies top chefs and restaurants worldwide with sustainably sourced whole grains, rice and legumes. Her stir-fried sorghum bowl contained top allergens, including peanut butter, soy sauce and tofu.<\/p>\n

We couldn’t wait to get home and make this bowl allergy-friendly. We adapted Chef Coleen’s Thai sauce and give her the credit for an amazing sauce! The bowl is so good that we make it at least once a month.<\/p>\n

Gather your mise en place, and let’s talk about cooking sorghum.<\/p>\n

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Cooking Sorghum<\/strong><\/p>\n

Different manufacturers give varying ratios of sorghum to water when cooking. We like to use a ratio of one cup whole grain sorghum to four cups of water, because of the long cooking time. Besides, any excess liquid is drained at the end of the cooking process.<\/p>\n

Start by rinsing the sorghum and placing in a pot with the water. Avoid using a large pot if cooking small amounts, as water will evaporate quickly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until grains are tender and still chewy. This takes a good hour. Taste at the end of the cooking process to make sure it’s done. And finally, drain excess liquid.<\/p>\n

One cup of dry whole grain sorghum yields approximately 2-1\/2 cups cooked.<\/p>\n

Cooking in Bulk<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some manufacturers recommend adding a teaspoon of oil per cup of uncooked sorghum, suggesting the oil will help the grain retain its moisture, especially if you’ll be freezing it in batches. We’ve not tried it, but have always had great success with freezing sorghum without adding oil.<\/p>\n

The great thing is that sorghum can be frozen and reheated without losing its great taste and texture. Cook a batch, cool and divide into freezer containers or bags and freeze for later use.<\/p>\n

Tidbit<\/strong><\/p>\n

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• Sorghum can take up to an hour to cook, so cooking and freezing this grain in bulk is almost a necessity to be able to incorporate it easily into a busy weeknight dinner rotation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  What an easy way to add sorghum to your weekly meal plan!<\/p>\n

  Today, thanks to American farmers, sorghum can be enjoyed in your favorite foods.<\/p>\n

  Embark on a journey through ancient times. Try sorghum in salads, soups, pilaf, casseroles, stir-fries and in this delicious Thai bowl.<\/p>\n

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