Wheatberries With Fragrant Spices Currants Almonds Recipes

BREAKFAST WHEAT BERRIES

Steps:

• The night before, combine wheat berries, 1 quart of the water and salt and bring to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 hour. Remove from heat, stir in the honey, agave syrup or sugar, rose water, anise or fennel seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins or dried fruit. Cover and leave overnight (or for 5 to 6 hours).
• In the morning, add remaining cup of water to the wheat berries and bring to a simmer. Cook 30 to 45 minutes, stirring often, until berries are soft and splayed at one end. There should be some liquid surrounding the wheat berries (add more water if necessary). Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
• Serve on their own with some of the liquid in the saucepan (stir in some milk if desired), or spoon about 1/3 cup yogurt into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the berries, with some of the sweet broth. Top with a handful of chopped nuts and a few pomegranate seeds if desired.

SWEET AND SPICY ALMONDS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the almonds onto a baking sheet, and toast until the nuts start to turn golden brown and become fragrant, about 10 minutes. Watch the nuts carefully as they bake: they burn quickly.
• Stir together the sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl; set aside.
• Stir together the water, honey, and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the toasted almonds until evenly moistened. Pour the almonds into the sugar and spice mixture, and toss until evenly coated. Spread onto baking sheets in a single layer, and cool to room temperature.

COCONUT-CURRY WHEAT BERRIES AND RICE

Steps:

• Soak the wheat berries overnight in enough water to cover by 1 inch. Drain. Combine the wheat berries with 1 3/4 cups water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil, adjust heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the wheat berries are tender but still toothsome, about 50 minutes. Let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Drain off any excess water. (Wheat berries can be cooked and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance).
• Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, about 8 minutes. Add the curry powder and cayenne and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to coat. Pour in 1 cup water and the coconut milk; bring to a boil, lower heat to medium low, cover and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Uncover and add the cooked wheat berries and raisins (no need to stir). Cover again and let sit off the heat for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the cilantro, lemon juice and cashews. Serve warm.