MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - March 15, 2010) - (Family Features) According to a recent survey from the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), about 71 percent of adults reported eating at home more frequently, an increase from previous years. As Americans eat at home more often to save money and spend quality time with their families, home cooks should consider adding whole grains to their meal plans. Whole grains provide great taste, variety, a host of health benefits, and fill you up without filling you out.
"Whole grains may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, so they are beneficial for everyone," explains Michele Powers, registered dietitian and chef. "For people managing conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, research shows that choosing whole grains is a simple lifestyle change that makes a big impact."
To find whole grain foods, look on packages for the statement "Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods and low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers" as well as a Heart Healthy symbol. Another easy way to identify whole grain food options is to look for the Whole Grain Stamp.
An easy way to get whole grains is with the Uncle Ben's Ready Whole Grain Medley products. These flavorful medleys meet an individual's full daily requirement of whole grains in just one serving, can be prepared in 90 seconds and require minimal clean-up. The products are also cholesterol free, do not contain trans fat or saturated fat, are a good source of fiber, niacin and folate and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan.
For more recipe ideas and information about the variety of whole grain brown rice products, visit UncleBens.com. Try this Turkey & Rice Sliders recipe that uses the new Uncle Ben's Ready Whole Grain Medley Roasted Garlic, containing both red and black quinoa, a "super protein," and offers the aroma and taste of roasted garlic.
Turkey & Rice Sliders
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes 12-16 sliders (2 sliders/person)
| Ingredients | |
| 1 | pouch Uncle Ben's Ready Whole Grain Medley Roasted Garlic |
| 1 | pound lean ground turkey (or use turkey breast) |
| 1 | egg |
| 1 | teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1/4 | cup chopped parsley |
| 2 | tablespoon tomato paste |
| 2 | tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 | package of slider or dinner rolls |
| Salt to taste | |
- Follow instructions on pouch and microwave rice for 90 seconds.
- Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine rice with turkey, egg, oregano, parsley, tomato paste and 2 tablespoons water.
- Mix well and then form into 12-16 small burgers.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- In two batches, cook sliders for about 5 minutes until browned. Flip over and cook through, about another 3 minutes. Repeat with remaining sliders.
- Serve on slider rolls with your favorite condiments.
Note: You can make the sliders ahead of time and then microwave them assembled in the rolls for about 30 seconds when ready to serve.
For an interesting condiment, make cranberry catsup by mixing 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries that have been soaked and drained in hot water for 15 minutes with 1/4 cup of ketchup.
