This is a variation of a recipe I found on the internet five years ago. Today is the first time I've ever made it, and wow, is it good. The perfect supper on a rainy day (hooray, more rain) with temps in the low 60s.
Wheat Berry Stew
About four hours before you want the stew, put 1 1/2 cups cannellini beans and 1 cup wheat berries in the crockpot. Cover with plenty of water - I used 6 cups. Add 5 teaspoons cumin, 3 teaspoons tumeric, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Keep on high temp until near the end.
In the meantime, peel and dice 6-8 small potatoes and cook until soft but not mushy. Drain.
Sauté a large chopped onion in olive oil. Turn down the temp and add 4 cloves of minced garlic.
When the beans and berries are softened, put them in a large saucepan. Add the potatoes and the onions and garlic. Then add 5 cups of tomato sauce. Stir well and heat.
Delicious and hearty.
And I served it with one of our favorites, popovers. This is the Joy of Cooking recipe.
Popovers
In the mixer, beat just until smooth:
1 cup milk
1 Tablespoon melted butter
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Add, one at a time, but do not over beat:
2 eggs
There are many kinds of popover pans but we use 6 glass custard cups with great success. Spray with cooking spray and fill about 3/4 full. If you fill too much, you get a muffin-like texture. Bake in a preheated 450º F oven for 15 minutes. "Without peeping" lower the heat to 350º F and bake about 20 minutes longer. To test for doneness, remove a popover to be sure the side walls are firm. If not cooked long enough, the popovers will collapse.
Serve with butter, and jam if you wish. One of the great, great foods!
Rose hip info and recipes here
ReplyDeleteMmmmm, popovers! I'm happy to see you've had success using custard cups - I think I could round up 6 of those. I don't have a popover pan myself and have wondered if muffin tins would work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie. I responded on your blog.
ReplyDeleteTara, I think they need a bigger space to grow in than muffin tins can offer, but I'm not positive about this. Honestly, we've tried everything over the years - different recipes, pans, flour, and finally, by jove, we've got it! I use King Arthur Flour:
"select artisan 100% organic all purpose flour." Who knows why, but this combo is working so we'll keep using it. :<)
Yum! I'm always looking for new vegetarian recipes and plan to try this soon. If I wait for a rainy day it could be a Christmas Stew!!
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to mention that I love the little kitchen scene. May I ask where you found it. I think it would be so cute framed.
As always - love your blog!!
Linda in Chapel Hill
Thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteThe little picture was the photo for an email group I was part of years ago. I wrote to the woman who ran the list and asked if I could use it and she said fine. I think she said it was on a card?? And that stew is so good.
I plan to make the Wheatberry Stew today and have a question. When you put the beans and wheatberries in the crockpot to cook for 4 hours, do you add any liquid?
ReplyDeleteP. S. Piglet is adorable!
Linda, Yes! Lots. The beans/berries should be all covered. Add more if you think there isn't enough.And it gets absorbed pretty much and you pour the whole mixture into the saucepan when they are soft. Gosh, I wish I could email you with this answer but I hope you come back and read this, soon! Clearly, I should have mentioned it in the recipe. I'll go in and do so. And yes, that little Piglet is a dear girl.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I just measured it out, and I used 6 cups. And I noted it in the recipe. :<) Sorry! I'm thrilled you are making it. We had enough that Tom had a few lunches of it as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, did you just make me want popovers. Thanks so much! And thanks for having my blog in your sidebar, too. I'm so glad that you like to visit. I'll certainly be back to see more of your wonderful pictures (your daughter's dog is priceless).
ReplyDeleteFinal update. The stew is delicious. I'll definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe love having breakfast for dinner. I've never make popovers, but those look very easy!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try them. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Blessings, Deborah
Deborah, let me know if they come out well. They are just so delicious!
ReplyDeleteMm, sounds delicious and perfect for fall. I think I'm going to try this with barley!
ReplyDeleteThere is a variation I posted with barley. :<)
Deletehttp://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2009/01/variations-on-stew.html
Under Recipes tab, under main meals there are a few other stews, too.
Nan, this re I’ve sounds good but I’ve never wheat berries here in the UK.....would there be a substitute?
ReplyDeleteBarbra