Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Cumin Wheat Berry Soup


We inherited 100 lbs of wheat from Aaron's mom. So Aaron searched for a way to use the wheat besides grinding it.  He found this recipe and it was delicious.  I will forever regret moaning when my mother made soup with barley in it.  I'm looking forward to leftovers!  I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my pressure cooker.  So that's how I cooked the wheat.  Really easy and quick!  Aaron ate the leftover wheat berries for breakfast! 
  • 1 1/2 cups French green or brown lentils, sorted and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 large large carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, plus more to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 cups Cooked Wheat Berries,
  • 1 bunch rainbow or red chard, large stems discarded, leaves roughly chopped*
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  1. Combine lentils, broth and water in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, 25 to 30 minutes (brown lentils take a little longer than green).
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to brown, about 15 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat.
  3. When the lentils are tender, stir cooked wheat berries and chard into the pot. Cover and simmer until the chard has wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in the carrot mixture and lemon juice.
 *We used spinach instead of chard.