5 Amazing Wheat Berry Recipes

Wheat Berry Salad; Ellie Krieger

Wheat Berry Salad; Ellie Krieger

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

Wheat berries might sound exotic, but you’ve had them before, most likely in their ground form — aka whole-wheat flour. A wheat berry is the entire wheat kernel before it’s been processed into bread, cereal or pasta.

Since wheat berries are unprocessed (they contain the bran, germ and endosperm of the wheat kernel), they’re loaded with nutrients, including fiber, protein and B vitamins. Chewy and nutty, they make a great addition to salads, side dishes and more. Try them in these delicious dishes.

This recipe is a classic you’ll want to make over and over again. The dried cherries add surprising sweetness while the toasted walnuts and celery deliver a satisfying crunch.

Food Network Kitchen's Coconut Curry Wheat Berries For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Food Network Kitchen's Coconut Curry Wheat Berries For Whole Grains as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Shake things up with this Indian-inspired dish. Wheat berries are combined with a sweet-and-spicy coconut-curry rice before being tossed with raisins, cilantro and crunchy cashews.

Vegetarians will love this super-easy recipe for meat-free burgers. Cooked wheat berries are combined in a food processor with onion, peppadew peppers, hummus and egg before being fried in a skillet. Enjoy them on a whole-grain bun with your favorite toppings.

Wheat berries are a great way to add heft to salads. Here, they’re tossed with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, parsley and dates, and topped with chopped almonds and shaved pecorino cheese for a salad that’s as tasty as it is healthy.

This refreshing dish is perfect for summer. The wheat berries join forces with orange juice and zest, plus mint and agave nectar. The whole thing is topped with goat cheese, walnuts and strawberries for a sweet finish.

Abigail Libers is a freelance writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She is also the creator and editor of notesonfatherhood.tumblr.com.

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