To be precise, wheat berries are the whole grain form of wheat (before its gone through processing). They are high in fiber and crunchy, and can be used much like other whole grains. Think hot cereal, salads and grain bowl!
This I Love You Wheat Berry Salad is the perfect base for experimentation. Once you get comfortable making this basic recipe, you can play around with all sorts of variations. Use chopped nuts, edamame, fresh veggies and dried cranberries. As the author Aaron states, one of his all-time favorite tricks is to toss in some chopped greens like chard or spinach while the berries are drained of water but still warm (as this will wilt the greens). For a full entree, pair this salad with grilled chicken or barbecued salmon.
This Wheat Berry and White Bean Salad is the ultimate in taste and texture. Its made with Bobs Red Mill Wheat Berries, cooked white or navy beans, green onion, celery and diced tomato. The vinaigrette is created with olive oil, fresh lemon or lime juice, white wine vinegar, chopped parsley, honey mustard, minced shallot, sea salt and ground black pepper. Serve this salad chilled on a bed of lettuce for a light yet wonderful way to enjoy wheat berries.
If you thought wheat berries were just for salads, think again! This Italian Easter Pie is made with Hard Red Wheat Berries, salt, water, a prepared pie shell, granulated sugar, eggs, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, ricotta cheese, orange zest, candied orange peel, vanilla extract and orange flower water. Bake until the filling is puffed, golden and set. Cool completely before serving and enjoy alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
The nutty flavor of wheat berries combines beautifully with bacon, like in this recipe for Wheat Berry Salad with Bacon. Its made with wheat berries, Kosher salt, black pepper, pecan halves, bacon, dried cherries, flat-leaf parsley, shallots, extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Serve this dish as an entree or keep it on hand for the perfect potluck side dish.
This Wheat Berry Whole Wheat Bread is made with sugar, nonfat milk, Whole Wheat Flour or Organic Whole Wheat Flour, sea salt, egg, Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, Hard Red Wheat Berries or Organic Hard Red Wheat Berries, active dry yeast and canola oil. The recipe makes two loaves: one for now, one for later. Use this bread for everything from a simple side to the base for a wonderfully unique grilled cheese sandwich.
Fancy a Sprouted Whole Wheat Bread loaf made with molasses, wheat germ, oats, 100% stone ground whole wheat flour and Hard Red Wheat Berries? Perfect! This is the recipe for you. This bread was a Malheur County Fair winner and is simple to create but so delicious. For an optional addition, add 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to the recipe for a bit of extra texture. You can also divide the dough and shape into 32 rolls (place 8 rolls in a round cake pan and allow to rise for a second time). Serve these with a hearty meal like mashed potatoes, gravy and turkey during the autumn season, or something like an arugula salad in the spring season.
When it comes to wheat berries, these Organic Energy Bars with Fruit are the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Theyre made with a mix of Organic Hard Red Wheat Berries, Organic Kamut Berries, Organic Regular Rolled Oats, Pumpkin Seeds, Premium Shelled Sunflower Seeds, chopped walnuts, unsalted butter, honey or pure maple syrup, cinnamon, cardamom, Organic Coconut Flour, shredded coconut, dried tart cherries, dried blueberries, raisins, wheat germ, Organic Unbleached White All-Purpose Flour, sea salt and unsweetened applesauce. Theyre excellent for meals on the go or a late afternoon snack (and loved by both parents and kids alike). After removing them from the oven, use a pizza cutter to cut into bars, let cool, package separately and refrigerate.
For a deliciously fresh salad, this Spring Rhubarb, Herb and Wheat Berry Salad is a simple and vibrant dish that showcases the offerings of the season. It can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish to accompany your favorite main course. Its made with ingredients like Hard Red Spring Wheat Berries, chicken stock, slivered almonds, rhubarb, strawberries and herbs like basil and tarragon. Top it all with honey and crumbled queso fresco, and youre bound to find your new favorite wheat berry variation!
