Sesame-Ginger Whole Grain Yam Rolls

With all of the recipe contest action around here, I haven’t had the opportunity to post recipes from my own kitchen. It’s time to remedy that with these amazing whole grain yam rolls that I created for Bob’s Red Mill.

I’ve been a whole grain addict my entire life. Even from a young age I reached for the nuttiest bread I could find. But it wasn’t until recent years that I discovered the joys of eating grains in their whole form.

And, in all honesty, I’m still discovering how much wholesome goodness is out there. The new trend toward ancient grains has introduced some new fiber-rich foods to my diet, and I’m especially loving the grain blends, like Bob’s Grande Whole Grains.

I love it when farmers help pair grains that cook in an equal amount of time, so I don’t have to guestimate. The Grande Whole Grains blend includes hard red wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, triticale, barley, kamut (my new love!), buckwheat and sesame seeds. It was that final ingredient that made me think Asian.

This recipe for whole grain yam rolls also includes a couple of my little secrets for preparing and enjoying whole grains.

First, the solution to those grains stuck to the bottom of the pan or coming out crunchy in spots. Since moving to higher altitude, perfect fluffy grains seemed like a thing of the past – that is until I started using this foolproof boiling method. You are going to love it!

Second, whole grains, and even brown rice, aren’t starchy enough to become very sticky on their own, like white rice. To make these whole grain yam rolls, I use tasty and healthy add-ins that help the grains adhere with ease (while adding protein and healthy fats!). Yes, with a little cheating sticky whole grains are possible.

A few infusions of sesame and ginger round out the flavor of this tasty little meatless entrée or appetizer without overpowering in the least bit. If desired, a little sriracha or wasabi will kick things up a notch. Plus, baby spinach or sliced avocado can be used in place of the cucumber for variation. No matter how you make them, I can almost guarantee they will be devoured in minutes. I had “reject” pieces in the wings that I was eating as I took these pictures – I simply couldn’t wait as they are that delicious!

Special Diet Notes & Options: Whole Grain Yam Rolls

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, optionally gluten-free, peanut-free, optionally soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.

For tree nut-free and dairy-free whole grain yam rolls, you can use sunflower seed butter, or your favorite nut butter alternative, in place of the almond butter.

To learn more about some awesome ancient grains, check out the Grains of Discovery from Bob’s Red Mill. I am a product ambassador for them because I LOVE these products and adore making recipes with them!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Sesame-Ginger Whole Grain Yam Rolls

 

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Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

60 mins

Total time

1 hour 20 mins

 

Author: Alisa Fleming

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked whole grains (I used Bob's Red Mill Grande Whole Grains, but single grains, such as Kamut, are also great; use Quinoa, Sorghum or Brown Rice for gluten-free), rinsed
• 6 cups water
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and quartered
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes or yams, peeled and cut into ½-inch fry shapes
• 2 tablespoons olive or melted coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons + ½ teaspoon sesame oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ¼ cup creamy unsalted almond butter
• 2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
• 4 sheets nori (see note below for lettuce wraps)
• ½ cucumber, julienned (optionally peeled)
• Low-sodium soy sauce, wheat-free tamari, or coconut aminos, to serve

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425ºF.
2. Bring the water to boil in a large saucepan. Add the whole grains and ginger, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the grains are tender. Thoroughly drain, remove and discard the ginger, return the grains to the pot, and cover until ready to use.
3. While the grains are cooking, place the sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet and toss with the olive or coconut oil. Roast for 25 minutes.
4. Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and toss with 2 teaspoons sesame oil, the sesame seeds and ¼ teaspoon salt. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes.
5. To make your grains sticky and delicious, stir in the almond butter, sweetener, rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, ginger powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Taste test and stir in more salt, to taste, if desired (I usually add about ⅛ teaspoon more).
6. Prepare the yam rolls with the now sticky whole grains, topped with the roasted yam slices and cucumber on the nori sheets. If you aren't familiar with sushi rolling, see this easy tutorial. Be sure to keep your hands slightly damp when pressing the grains on the nori sheets.
7. Cut and serve with low-sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos.

Notes

Steamed Yams: No time for roasting? Go ahead and steam the cut sweet potato. Toss with the sesame oil and salt once tender.

Wrap It: If rolling sushi isn't your thing, you can make sushi hand rolls (easier) or simply plop all of the ingredient in a lettuce wrap! The whole grain mixture tastes excellent with greens.

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