Rice and Wheat Berry Pilaf with Baby Spinach Recipe

Rice and Wheat Berry Pilaf with Baby Spinach Recipe

  • 3/4 cup wheat berries
  • 5 3/4 cups water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup basmati rice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 6-ounce package baby spinach leaves
  1. Place wheat berries in heavy medium saucepan. Add enough cold water to saucepan to cover wheat berries by 3 inches. Let stand overnight. Drain.
  2. Bring 4 cups water, wheat berries and 3/4 teaspoon salt to boil in same saucepan. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until wheat berries are tender but still slightly firm to bite, about 1 hour. Drain.
  3. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and garlic; stir 1 minute. Stir in remaining 1 3/4 cups water and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until liquid is almost absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. Add spinach and cooked wheat berries; stir until spinach wilts and wheat berries are heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
  4. Also called hard wheat berries. Available at most natural foods stores.
  5. Available at Indian markets and many supermarkets.