Berries of Wheat

In light of all the wonderful wheat berries we've gotten lately, I feel compelled to share some of the recipes and ideas I've come across to use these little gems. Keep in mind that there is a difference between "soft" and "hard" wheat berries (think white rice vs. brown rice...), and I believe we are getting the "hard" kind. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if you cooked the hard ones much longer you could get a nice soft-chewy kernel instead.

I have found that it is not necessary to soak the wheat berries before cooking them as some sources suggest. I simply bring them to a boil and let them cook over medium-low heat (a high simmer if there is such a thing) for an hour or so until they're cooked. Soaking would probably help them cook a bit faster, though. I am intrigued to try cooking them overnight in my slow-cooker to see how well that works, but definitely you can cut your cooking time in half or less by using a pressure cooker! I am also curious if decent results could be achieved from pulsing cooked wheat berries briefly in the blender or food processor to get a different texture (and one that could be used in baking, for instance)--I will be trying it soon and let you know! You can also grind the berries before cooking, but be sure to use a glass jar and a blender or grinder with a strong motor.


Wheat berries are...

...discussed here, including different cooking methods in Wheat Berries 101.
http://culinarybazaar.blogspot.com/2009/01/wheat-berries-101.html

...used in authentic Ukrainian grain pudding called Kutya or Kushya...it's very yummy!
http://www.recipezaar.com/Ukrainian-CHRISTMAS-KUTYA-77525

...combined with yogurt and spices for a refreshing COLD Middle-Eastern soup (may have to save this one for summer).
http://almostturkish.blogspot.com/2007/08/cold-wheat-berry-soup-souk-buday-orbas.html

...made into a sweet, vegan, Indian pudding with cardamom and cashews!
http://cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com/2008/08/wheat-berry-payasam-vegan-indian.html

(or in this traditional Indian dessert: http://cooking4allseasons.blogspot.com/2008/06/godumai-halwa-wheat-halwa-traditional.html)

...baked into a crustless quiche (in which chard or other greens can substitute for the spinach)!
http://www.bakingobsession.com/2009/01/11/three-cheese-and-wheat-berry-spinach-pie/

...puffed (or popped?) in a hot skillet to be combined with other granola ingredients...!
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=24848.0

...served with lentils in a hearty salad.
http://onceuponafeast.blogspot.com/2005/08/wheat-berry-lentil-salad.html

...combined with dill (if you have any left!) in this wintery salad with cranberries and pecans.
http://www.cookworm.com/2007/06/22/wheat-berries/

...tossed with apple and ham in another filling meal-sized-salad.
http://www.cookworm.com/2007/06/22/wheat-berries/

...combined with mashed beans, herbs, spices and an egg (or soaked flax seed) to make yummy chewy veggie burger patties...recipe coming soon!


Happy Cooking!