Wheat Berries with Walnuts

Wheat Berries with Walnuts is a delightful and versatile grain dish that serves as a perfect starter or side for any meal. This recipe showcases the wholesome and nutty flavors of wheat berries, but it can be easily adapted to include a variety of other grains, making it a highly customizable dish. The combination of hearty wheat berries and crunchy walnuts provides a satisfying and nutritious experience.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 11/2 cups wheat berries
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
• 1 shallot or 1/2 medium onion, minced
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the wheat berries in a pot with enough water to cover them by at least an inch. Bring the water to a boil and cook the grains until tender, approximately 40 minutes. Be sure to check periodically and add more water as needed to prevent it from boiling off.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced shallot until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Add the chopped walnuts and, if desired, the chopped fresh thyme, and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
3. Once the wheat berries are tender, drain them and add them to the skillet with the sautéed shallots and walnuts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the Wheat Berries with Walnuts immediately as a warm side dish, or allow it to cool to room temperature for a delightful salad option.

VARIATIONS:

• Wheat Berries with Walnuts and Apples: Add a burst of sweetness and freshness to the dish by dicing one all-purpose apple, such as Golden Delicious, and adding it to the skillet along with the shallot. The apple’s natural sweetness complements the nuttiness of the wheat berries and walnuts, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
• Wheat Berries with Walnuts and Butternut Squash: Introduce the delightful taste of butternut squash to the dish by adding 1 cup of peeled and diced butternut squash. In Step 2, cook the squash in the oil along with water until tender and the pan is almost dry. Then, proceed with the recipe, using sage or rosemary for a more herbal twist.
• Wheat Berries with Walnuts and Beets: Incorporate the vibrant and earthy flavors of beets by adding 1 cup of diced cooked beets to the dish along with the walnuts in Step 2. For an added tang, garnish with crumbled goat cheese, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

USES:

• Wheat Berries with Walnuts can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Serve it as a warm side dish alongside roasted meats or poultry for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Alternatively, let it cool to room temperature and serve it as a delightful salad, perfect for picnics or gatherings. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it an excellent base for incorporating a variety of ingredients and creating unique and flavorful combinations.

Wheat Berries with Walnuts is a versatile and nutrient-rich grain dish that celebrates the nutty flavors of wheat berries. This recipe serves as a starting point for a variety of grain combinations, allowing you to create unique and exciting flavors tailored to your preferences.

Enjoy this delightful dish warm as a side with roasted meats or poultry, or serve it chilled as a refreshing salad at picnics or gatherings. By incorporating different ingredients like apples, butternut squash, and beets, you can explore a wide array of flavors and create a delightful and wholesome culinary experience. Elevate your meals with this versatile and nutritious Wheat Berries with Walnuts recipe that will surely leave everyone satisfied and coming back for more.