If you were raised in the South, chances are you’re familiar with sorghum, especially as a flavorful syrup for pancakes or biscuits. This whole grain is actually one of the most important cereal crops in the world, and it can be used in so many ways!
What is Sorghum?
Sorghum is an ancient grain that spread from Africa to India, Asia, Australia, and the Americas thanks to trade routes. While it has been used here for years to make food for livestock, ethanol and syrup, sorghum has been gaining in popularity thanks in part to its gluten-free status.
Sorghum grains, unlike wheat, have an edible hull. This helps it retain nutrients, making it a great option for any diet. The grains vary in color, with red, brown, golden, yellow, white and even purple all being common shades.
How to Enjoy Sorghum
Sorghum grains can be used like rice or quinoa, ground into flour for baking, or even popped opens in a new tab for a unique snack. There’s also beer made with sorghum! You can find sorghum among the other whole grains, as well as in the bulk bins, so you can buy just a bit to try it!
If using sorghum for baked goods, be sure to double-check the recipe, as many gluten-free baking recipes require the addition of xanthan powder.
Here are some other ways to enjoy sorghum:
· Drizzle sorghum syrup over your favorite waffles.
· Use sorghum flour to make these spiced peanut butter cookies opens in a new tab.
· Use in place of rice for a pilaf dish.
· Make a sorghum risotto or creamy baked casserole.
· Combine sorghum flour with coconut flour for flavorful whole grain pancakes opens in a new tab.
· Try using sorghum in your favorite stuffing recipe.
· Add cooked sorghum to soup for a hearty meal.
· Eat popped sorghum opens in a new tab sprinkled with cheese for a snack, or use it in place of croutons.
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