RECIPE: Carrot-Wheat Berry Salad

From Cooking Light, December 2003

Serves 8

Ingredients:

½ cup uncooked wheat berries

1 ½ tsp salt, divided

2 lb. carrots, chopped (see NOTE)

½ cup fresh lemon juice

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp paprika

¼ tsp ground red pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/3 cup raisins

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Procedure:

1. Place wheat berries and ½ tsp salt in a medium saucepan; cover with water to 2 inches above wheat berries. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 50 minutes or until the wheat berries are tender. Drain

2. Cook carrots in a large pot of boiling water 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove with a slotted spoon. Rinse with cold water and drain.

3. Combine carrots and wheat berries in a large bowl; add 1 tsp salt, juice, cumin, paprika, pepper, and garlic. Stir in the raisins and oil and toss well to combine. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.

4. Sprinkle with parsley and cilantro before serving.

NOTE: Although the original recipe calls for 2 lb. carrots, I frequently make it with 1 lb and like it just as well. I don’t change the proportions of the other ingredients and there’s a nice balance of grains and vegetables.

Submitted by Lisa Bretherick