Wheatberries with Fragrant Spices, Currants & Almonds
"This is such a great combination it really shouldn't be altered. The wheatberries can be purchased at any health-food store if you can't find them in a grocery store. I love this as a side dish for roasted or braised lamb or beef, or as a stuffing for vegetables or poultry (yum!). I even once stuffed a leg of lamb with it. It's that versatile. The wheatberries have to be soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight, so plan accordingly."
- Ready In:
- 5hrs 30mins
- Ingredients:
- 14
- Yields:
-
4 cups of stuffing
ingredients
- 1⁄2 cup wheatberries, soaked for 4 hours or overnight
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1⁄2 medium onion, diced
- 4 scallions, chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, more to taste
- 1⁄2 cup basmati rice or 1/2 cup other long-grain rice
- 1⁄3 cup dried currant (don't be tempted to leave these out!)
- 3⁄4 cup chicken or 3/4 cup vegetable stock (low or no-salt please)
- 1 1⁄2 ounces slivered almonds, toasted (1/3 c.)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon, zest of
- fresh ground black pepper
directions
- Drain the wheatberries.
- In a small saucepan, bring the wheatberries and 3 cups of salted water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until tender, but pleasantly chewy, about 25-50 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil or butter in a saute pan over medium low heat.
- Add the onion and scallions.
- Cook until translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the spices and rice and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spices become very fragrant.
- Add the currants, the broth and salt to taste.
- Bring to a boil, turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (15 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine the wheatberries, rice mixture and almonds.
- Stir in the parsley and lemon zest, and adjust the salt, pepper and cinnamon to taste.
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Reviews
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This is really, really good. I had wheatberries with cream at a little coffee shop in Ashland, Oregon many years ago. Delicious. This is a wonderful dish that takes the wheatberries and dresses it (them?) for an elegant company dinner. But, no need to wait for an occasion. This dish is just good, and compliments burger patties, steaks or a standing rib roast. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day. -
Excellent! Perfect texture and it smelled so good while cooking. I love how the flavors meld! Thank you P4. -
OK, I know you said not to change anything, but I didn't have all the ingredients, and I really wanted to make this. I substituted Kashi for the wheatberries, and chopped dried cranberries for the currants, and pecans for the almonds (just because I like pecans). It was just fantastic. I was a little concerned that DH would not like it, he usually turns his nose up at dishes that a little "different". He did ask several questions before he ate it, but he but he really liked this, because he went back for more. I loved it, and can't wait to have the leftovers for my lunch. -
This was delightful. BF kept saying that it reminded him of trail mix between the chewy wheatberries, currants, and almonds. I imagine this would be incredibly versatile- we had it with a roasted brined organic free range chicken, which was terrific. But I could imagine this being good with just about anything- I am hoping there will be leftovers for me to try cold tomorrow! We did substitute brown basmati rice for the white called for in the recipe and had to leave out the parseley because I forgot it at the store. The flavor is at once mellow, tangy, hearty and light. Just terrific- I would definitely make again...and a plus! Especially if made with brown rice, this is a healthy side! And who could say no to that? ;) -
Very good. My husband loved it and requested it again- tomorrow.
Tweaks
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OK, I know you said not to change anything, but I didn't have all the ingredients, and I really wanted to make this. I substituted Kashi for the wheatberries, and chopped dried cranberries for the currants, and pecans for the almonds (just because I like pecans). It was just fantastic. I was a little concerned that DH would not like it, he usually turns his nose up at dishes that a little "different". He did ask several questions before he ate it, but he but he really liked this, because he went back for more. I loved it, and can't wait to have the leftovers for my lunch.
RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
P48422
United States
