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A very simple, and at the same time special, recipe with wheat berries. Ideal for those who have never cooked it before, for those in a hurry, but also for those who make it all the time but seek something different. You can serve it as a side dish, salad or even appetizer.

Wheat has a very pleasant earthy taste by itself and when boiled, it has a super enjoyable texture. If boiled in vegetable broth, we give extra flavor and nutrients.

To this simple and quick vegan recipe, we only add pomegranate and coriander. The pomegranate gives extra color and texture, and the fresh cilantro gives aroma and intensity. If you don't like cilantro, you may replace it with mint or parsley.

Literally, you can eat it without any additives, as it doesn't even need salt. If you like more intense or complex flavors you can add salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon.

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Photo of salad with wheat, pomegranate and fresh coriander

Wheat berries with pomegranate and fresh cilantro

A simple and special vegan recipe with wheat berries. With only three ingredients: wheat berries, pomegranate and cilantro.
5 from 13 votes
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Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Appetizers
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegan
Keywords: vegan, cilantro, fasting, pomegranate, wheat, recipe, vegetarian
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Soaking time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 as a side dish
Calories: 349kcal
Author: Thodoris Tibilis

Ingredients

Ingredients

Vinaigrette (optional)

  • ½ lemon juice (the juice)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ tsp mustard
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • From the night before, wash the wheat berries in a strainer, until the water running under the strainer is clear. Then let the wheat berries soak in water overnight.
  • The next day strain and rinse the wheat berries. Then, bring them to boil in vegetable broth or water, over medium to low heat for about 45 minutes or until softened. Taste to check when they're ready. Depending on the size and variety, the time may vary. It should be al dente so that you eat it pleasantly. Be careful not to overboil it or it will get soggy.
  • While boiling, prepare the rest of the ingredients:
  • When the wheat berries are ready, strain them and put them in a salad bowl. Add the pomegranate, cilantro, and sauce, and mix well but gently, using two spoons.
  • Serve in a small salad bowl, garnishing with some pomegranate seeds or finely chopped cilantro.

Notes

  1.  It is preferable to boil the wheat berries in vegetable broth rather than plain water, as it will have a richer flavor. If you don't have broth, add the wheat berries in the water and add an onion cut in half, a clove of garlic and some fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs. But you may add whatever you like, such as red pepper, carrot, zucchini, fresh ginger, etc. For extra flavor, add very small doses of spices, such as paprika, curry, cumin, turmeric, and ginger.
  2. Ideally, let the wheat berries cool before mixing them with the pomegranate and cilantro, so that the heat doesn't soften them.

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg

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