1 cup wheat berries
Water or broth to cover wheat berries plus 1 inch
Place wheat berries, ½ tsp. salt (optional) and liquid in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour* or until wheat berries are tender and chewy. (Add additional liquid if berries become dry during cooking) Drain and use immediately in recipe or let cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
*Reduce cooking time by presoaking the wheat berries overnight, drain and cover with fresh liquid and cook as above for 20 – 30 minutes.
Wheat Berry Apple Salad
1 Recipe Wheat berries prepared as above with water
1 large crisp apple
½ cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 stalk celery, chopped
Grated peel and juice of 1 medium orange
2 tbsps. rice wine vinegar
1 ½ tbsp. chopped fresh mint
Lettuce leaves (optional)
Cut unpeeled apples into bite sized pieces. Place wheat berries in a large bowl; add apples, cranberries, walnuts, celery, orange peel, orange juice, vinegar and mint. Toss together to combine well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavours to blend. Serve on lettuce leaves if desired. Makes about 6 cups.
