The Whole Grain Stamp [2] reached an exciting milestone this week. The Stamp is now approved for use on products sold in over 50 countries around the world!

Fifty-four countries [3] to be exact. While the majority of products using the Stamp are here in the United States, about 21% of all Stamped products can now be found outside of the U.S. market. This is a promising trend, suggesting that demand for whole grains is increasing worldwide, and consumers around the globe are becoming more aware of the benefits [4] of adding whole grains to their diets.

The most recent additions to our international list of Stamp approved products were a handful of countries in the Middle East: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. While we know Freekeh, Farro, Barley and Bulgur [5] are all indigenous to the Middle East, I wanted to explore the Middle Eastern heritage more to see how these, and other whole grains, might be used in local dishes.

The first recipe I encountered was a popular, traditional dish, Mujadarra [6]. This comfort-food classic combines brown rice, lentils and caramelized onions to create a rich, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and inexpensive.

Another whole grain that was featured in different ways was black rice. One of the more creative ways I saw it used was in this Middle Eastern Inspired Black Rice Salad [7]. The salad features the rice as the star of the show, complemented by pomegranate seeds, squash and a lemon-honey-tahini dressing. A more straightforward approach to using black rice was this Black Rice Pilaf with Shallots [8].  It’s a simple pilaf that would traditionally be paired with lamb or chicken shawarma for a satisfying, aromatic meal.

One of the most common dishes I came across was Tabbouleh [9]. Typically made from bulgur, this traditional dish makes a nice side to your main course. It’s light, lemony and packed with fresh herbs. For a heartier bulgur recipe, this Spicy Bulgur Pilaf [10] might hit the spot. Originating from Turkey, the secret to this dish is the all-important red paper paste, which comes in varying levels of heat.

What are some of your favorite international whole grain recipes?

(Harley)