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    Home » All recipes » Grains and Staples » How to Cook Wheat Berries

    October 21, 2021 Grains and Staples

    How to Cook Wheat Berries

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Stuck in a pasta and rice rut? Once you learn how easy it is to cook flavorful, nutrient-packed wheat berries, you might never go back.

    how to cook wheat berries

    Wheat Berry FAQs

    What are wheat berries?

    Wheat berries are husked whole wheat kernels. They look like fat, caramel-colored grains of rice, and they're made of three sections: the outer bran, the germ (the plant's embryo), and the endosperm (the germ's source of nutrition and protein). They can be harvested from any type of wheat plant, including spelt, einkorn, rye, emmer, and farro.uncooked wheat berries

    What do wheat berries taste like?

    Think brown rice, but heftier, chewier, and with a subtle nutty flavor.

    Where do I get the best wheat berries?

    You can find wheat berries near the rice in most grocery stores, but if you have a local mill near you, try buying from them instead. I love the selection I can get from Castle Valley Mill, which sells their wheat berries, flours, and pastas online and is located in Pennsylvania not far from where I live. When you buy from a local mill, you can sample rare varieties like einkorn, spelt, rye, and more. And just like different varieties of fruits and vegetables, each has its own nuances.cooked wheat berries in bowl

    How do you use cooked wheat berries?

    Use them anywhere you'd use rice or barley, such as stir-fries, soups, and stews, or just as a side dish with chicken and vegetables.

    cooked wheat berries

    How to Cook Wheat Berries

    Wheat berries are more nutritious than most other grains and pastas, and they've got a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that enhances any meal. Once you master this recipe, you may never go back to the basic rice and pasta rotation again!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
    Keyword: grains
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Makes: 4 cups (serves 4 to 6)
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    • Saucepan or pot
    • Wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups wheat berries
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

    Instructions

    • Place the wheat berries in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them under cold running water.
    • Transfer the rinsed wheat berries to a medium saucepan, add the salt (if using), and pour in enough water to cover the wheat berries by about 2 inches.
    • Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then turn the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until some but not all of the berries have broken open and they are soft and chewy (not hard and crunchy).
    • Drain the wheat berries in a sieve or colander.
    • Enjoy hot, at room temperature, or chilled.
    « Easy Vegetarian Grain Bowls
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