Contrary to popular belief, wheat berries do not require an overnight soak before cooking. Simply boil them for 1 hour to soften the kernels, which will produce their characteristically chewy texture.

Makes about 4 1/2 cups

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 1/4 hours

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 cups hard red winter-wheat berries (see Tip)
7 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt

1. Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse. To serve hot, use immediately. Otherwise, follow the make-ahead instructions.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per 1/2 cup: 151 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber; 263 mg sodium; 0 mg potassium.

2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 2 Starch

TIP: Tip: Wheat berries can be found in natural-foods markets and online at King Arthur Flour, (800) 827-6836, bakerscatalogue.com, and Bob’s Red Mill, (800) 349-2173, bobsredmill.com.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

A slow cooker does a good job too. I put them on when I go to bed, and they're done in the morning.

Eleanor, Toronto, ON

Wonderful way to use this healthy, inexpensive wheat berries! I cook a batch and freeze and use in soups, stews, breads!!! Amazing way to add nutrition!

Anonymous, Monmouth, OR

I cooked wheat berries for the first time yesterday; I love them. What a great idea to do them in the slow cooker; and also to freeze them and add to soups and stews. I am on WW core and this is going to help me immensely. Thank you.

Barbara Arminen, Toronto, ON

Ditto for the slow cooker. I also use it overnight for dried garbanzo beans.

evelyn, Princeton Junction, NJ

where can I get wheat berries, I used to get them in Colorado now I am California (sac/davis/woodland)

Rose Jarrett, Woodland, CA

I love wheat berries with raisins and honey. They are fabulous with just a bit of cream. We love it and eat it just like any other hot cereal.

Brenda, Heber City, UT