A Tasty Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend: Cooking Guide

Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend is a convenient and tasty meal option, comprising Israeli-style couscous, orzo, baby garbanzo beans, and red quinoa. The blend can be cooked in a variety of ways, including on a stovetop, in a rice cooker, or in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. While the blend is relatively bland in taste, it offers an intriguing texture, with the smooshiness of the couscous and orzo contrasting the crunch of the al dente garbanzo beans.

Cooking instructions

Stovetop method:

• Bring 1 3/4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter or coconut oil and stir.
• Add 1 1/4 cups of Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend (1/2 package) and stir.
• Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it stand for 10 minutes.
• Serve hot with grilled chicken, or cold as a salad.

Rice cooker method:

• Add broth/water and the recommended amount of butter to your rice cooker.
• Bring to a rolling boil.
• Add the grains and cook until the couscous is to your taste.
• Drain and mix in butter, herbs, and sautéed vegetables.

Instant Pot method:

• Add the Harvest Grains Blend, water, and salt to the pressure cooker pot.
• Stir, lock the lid in place, and select high pressure.
• Set a 3-minute cook time, then turn the pressure cooker off and use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, do a quick-pressure release.
• Remove to a large bowl and allow to cool completely.

Tips:

• If you want to reduce the cook time, do not rinse the grains before cooking.
• If you want to add more flavour, use veggie stock instead of water.
• For a single or two servings, you may need to add slightly more liquid and cook for longer than the package instructions.
• You can also experiment with adding different ingredients, such as carrots, currants, pine nuts, or shredded Parmesan cheese.

Serving suggestions

Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend is a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

• With Veggies or Meat: The blend pairs well with roasted vegetables such as portabella mushrooms, broccolini, and brussel sprouts. You can also serve it with grilled meats like salmon or chicken.
• In a Salad: The blend makes a great addition to salads, providing a chewy texture that stands up to dressing. Try it in a kale and farro salad, or mix it with baby kale leaves, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and feta cheese.
• Greek-Style: Combine the blend with Greek salad for a tasty side dish at your next barbecue.
• With Garlic and Parmesan: For a flavourful twist, add garlic and Parmesan cheese to the blend. Saute minced garlic until lightly golden brown, then add parsley and crushed red pepper. Toss the mixture with the prepared grains and Parmesan cheese.
• Pine Nut and Parmesan: For a salty, nutty flavour, mix the cooked grains with toasted pine nuts, shredded Parmesan cheese, and caramelized diced red or white onion.
• Soup: The blend can also be added to soups.

When cooking the Harvest Grains Blend, bring water or chicken broth to a boil, add butter, and stir in the grains. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it stand for another 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe variations

There are several ways to cook Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend, and many ways to make it your own.

Firstly, you can cook the grains in veggie stock instead of water, and use a splash of coconut oil instead of butter. You can then add toasted pine nuts, shredded Parmesan cheese, and caramelized diced red or white onion.

Alternatively, you can add garlic and Parmesan. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, add oil, and then add garlic, cooking until it is light golden brown. Remove from heat, add parsley and red pepper, and stir until the parsley is coated with oil and slightly wilted. Add this mixture and Parmesan cheese to the cooked grains and toss.

You can also add vegetables to the blend, such as roasted portabella mushrooms, broccolini, and brussel sprouts, roasted in avocado oil with pink sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

For a Kale and Harvest Grains Salad, add baby kale leaves, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and feta.

The blend can also be served with Greek yogurt, or with grilled chicken.

Texture issues

Some people have reported that their attempts at cooking the Harvest Grains Blend have resulted in a mushy or undercooked texture. This may be due to the quinoa not blooming and the garbanzo beans remaining chewy.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended that you do not rinse the grains before cooking. The mix contains pearl couscous and orzo, which are types of pasta that are not typically rinsed in advance. Rinsing the grains can cause them to become gummy if they are added to water before it reaches a boil. Instead, bring salted water or stock to a rolling boil before adding the grains.

Additionally, the amount of liquid used and the cooking time can impact the texture. Some people have found that adding slightly more liquid and cooking the grains longer than the package instructions can help achieve the desired texture. For example, cooking the grains for 15-20 minutes instead of the recommended 10 minutes.

It is also important to note that the garbanzo beans in the blend may require extra cooking time. Using a pressure cooker can help to soften the beans, but they will still add a nice chewiness to the blend.

Finally, the type of fat used can also impact the texture. Some people prefer to use butter, while others suggest that coconut oil may help improve the texture.

Storage tips

• Store your unopened package of Trader Joe's Harvest Grain Blend in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet.
• Once opened, transfer the blend to an airtight container or a sealed bag to maintain freshness.
• Keep the blend away from sources of heat and direct sunlight, as this can affect the quality and taste over time.
• If you cook the blend in large batches, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze cooked leftovers for longer-term storage. Place the blend in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• To thaw frozen leftovers, transfer them to the refrigerator overnight or defrost in the microwave. Reheat the blend thoroughly before consuming.

Frequently asked questions