What to do with kamut?

[suzigirl]

I just heard of kamut. Who knows something about it and what to do with it?

[paulj]

http://www.kamut.com/en/history.html
according to this it is the brand name for a large kernel strain of wheat found in Egypt half a century ago. It's high protein like durham

[MacGuffin]

I spoke to Bob Quinn on the phone a few years ago--an extremely nice guy. I got a great buy on a 35 lb. drum of KAMUT® (almost a steal) and often use it to grow grass for juice because it tastes better than mainstream hard red wheat. KAMUT® is organic by definition, too, which is nice, and the sprouts are delicious as well. They're really good on sandwiches and salads and such.

[suzigirl]

Hmmm. You have my attention. I love sprouts on a sandwich but NEVER get them where I'm at. Can I also let my kitties munch on them? They don't care for t.he red wheat

[MacGuffin]

Absolutely, but I think cats usually prefer grass to sprouts and for that, you need to actually plant the grain. I bit the bullet and bought a pot of grass for $3.50 at the Union Square Greenmarket--once the grass seems destroyed by the kitties, you can just cut it down--it'll keep growing. Be aware, though, that not all cats like grass. It annoys me to no end that mine seem to prefer my sweet little shamrock plant to their pot of grass.

[suzigirl]

My grass seems die. But I've never cut it. They like the soft white wheat but I cannot find it anymore around here. And the potted grass never says which kind it is.

[MacGuffin]

Potted grass, I'd imagine, is hard red because it's usually sold for juice and soft white isn't good for that. Grass needs lots of water, not too much heat (it'll grow in the fridge), and some light for photosynthesis. It'll die eventually but if you can meet those three requirements, you should be in good shape for at least awhile.

Sprouts, on the other hand, are super easy. Get yourself a couple of these http://www.sproutamo.com/ (they're BRILLIANT) and follow the instructions here: http://sproutpeople.org/kamut.html ; http://sproutpeople.org/supply/sprout... .

[suzigirl]

Thank you. You are a wealth of knowledge. I grow it outside until it is maybe four inches or so and bring it in for my four footed friends to enjoy( two Siamese/ silver Bengal mix cuties) but it dies in a week or so. We have alot of natural sunlight but maybe not enough. I will try some of your suggestions. Again, thanks.

[MacGuffin]

I don't know about all that but I find this is what works for me. :) Sunlight's the least important of the three--keep it cool and moist and you should be okay. And don't forget to cut it down if it gets droopy.

[suzigirl]

Hard to keep it cool in Florida but cutting it back is a new concept for me. Going to try that

[MacGuffin]

It can't hurt. And you're not the only Florida person I know who has had trouble growing wheatgrass in Florida. :(

[Number]

I just love Kamut! Filling and texturally exciting. So, I boil it in water 'til the desired doneness then add it to roasted vegetables. Squash, sweet potato, carrots or something else hearty, cut into small cubes, onions, s&p, olives oil, garlic if you want, and spices. Coriander (dried), cumin, red pepper flakes, curry...whatever! Roast at a high temp like 400-425, mixing often until everything is caramelized and sweet. Toss with the kamut, maybe more olive oil, s&p, and some drops of lemon juice. Yum!

Oh! No salt in the water when cooking the kamut. It will never soften.

[suzigirl]

Thanks for the heads up on the salt. First instinct would be to salt the heck out of the water.

[magiesmom]

not true!

[iL Divo]

Rocco Dispirito uses them whole or maybe slightly broken up, in his healthy version of meatballs.
He spoke about how added in filling they add an almost meaty quality so there doesn't have to be as much meat.
Now that is what I took from his episode on tv, so I'm not quoting him. I'm just sayin...

[paulj]

It's a grain, similar to wheat. So you would use it in the same way as the corresponding form of wheat, whether flour or whole grain.

Have you cooked whole grains like wheat or oats?

[magiesmom]

I love whole kamut. Use it as you would barley or wheatberries .It is a really large grain, beautiful and tasty. It makes a great pilaf or salad .

[ipsedixit]

If you have kamut flour, use it just like you would wheat flour, except that it is naturally sweeter. So if baking with it, adjust your sugar or sweeteners when using kamut.