How to Cook Wheat Berries
The ultimate comfort food, How to Cook Wheat Berries is a delicious grain that is both hearty and nutritious. Packed with flavor and chewy texture, they serve as a perfect base for salads, grain bowls, or even as a side dish. Try this easy weeknight dinner that elevates your meals with wholesome goodness. Make it tonight!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 3 cups water or vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- First, start by rinsing the wheat berries in a mesh sieve under cold running water. This step helps remove any dirt or debris that might be clinging to them. Take your time ensuring they are clean; this will enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Next, in a medium-sized pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. If you're using broth, it will add an extra layer of flavor to the wheat berries. Once boiling, carefully add the rinsed wheat berries. If you desire more flavor, stir in a pinch of kosher salt.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and partially cover the pot. It's important to keep the heat low to avoid boiling over while still allowing the wheat berries to cook properly.
- Allow the wheat berries to cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. You're looking for them to become tender yet still slightly chewy. At the 30-minute mark, begin testing for doneness by scooping out a few and tasting them. They should be chewy, not tough.
- If they aren't done to your liking, continue cooking and check every five minutes. If at any point you notice the pot looks dry, don't hesitate to add more water as needed to keep the wheat berries cooking smoothly.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and drain any excess liquid. Use a fork to fluff the wheat berries, which will help separate them and keep them from clumping together.
- For an added layer of flavor, give the wheat berries a quick rinse under running water to ensure all dirt is gone. Shake off any excess water before proceeding.
- Next, place the rinsed wheat berries in a dry skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast them for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll know they are done when they're lightly browned and fragrant. This step really elevates the nutty flavor!
- Once toasted, remove the skillet from heat and let the wheat berries cool for a few minutes before using them in your favorite dish. This cooling step is crucial, as it'll prevent them from becoming mushy when added to other ingredients.
- Add the toasted wheat berries back to the boiling water or broth and cook according to the previous directions if you want to enhance them further. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover cooked wheat berries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked wheat berries for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags.
- Pairing: Wheat berries pair beautifully with roasted veggies such as carrots, beets, or zucchini, creating a wholesome meal.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding feta cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to your dish for added richness and flavor.
- Texture Tip: Keep in mind the cooking time may vary based on your desired texture. You might prefer them softer or chewier, so feel free to adjust accordingly.