Vegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili Twist & Lime Cilantro Greek Yogurt

Wheatberries are one of those grains that is lost in the world of high fiber and nutritious grains. Wheatberries are actually a Whole Wheat Kernel and if they are milled produce Whole Wheat Flour! If you are Greek you may only be familiar with “Koliva” a combination of wheatberries and some or all of these other ingredients. Jordan almonds, fresh pomegranate seeds, sesame seeds, ground walnuts, anise, golden raisins, fresh parsley, cinnamon and sugar. Wheatberries are the main ingredient in Koliva and is used Liturgically in the Greek/Eastern Orthodox Church for commemorations of the dead. It is blessed during the First Friday of Great Lent, Funerals, Saturday of Souls & Memorial Services that are performed at various intervals after a person’s death. It has also been said that at the funeral the Koliva has no sweetness and is bitter and fitting for a funeral. The sweetness added starting with the 40 day memorial.It is said that Koliva is derived from a Greek word that means small coin or small gold weight. Powdered Sugar is sprinkled heavily over a mound of Koliva, which is meant to symbolize the grave site.

So now that you know the Greek History of Wheatberries, it is great to know that wheatberries have so many other uses as well. The recipes and flavors you can create with this amazing grain are endless. Such as Wheatberry, Kale and Cranberry Salad, Wheatberry Pudding, Wheatberry Pilaf, Wheatberry Bruschetta and Wheat Berry Chili!

Lenten Wheatberry Soup with a Chili TwistLenten Wheatberry Soup with a Chili Twist
Vegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili TwistVegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili Twist
Vegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili TwistVegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili Twist
WheatberriesWheatberries
Wheatberry Chili is our recipe for today….this came out of so many requests for a hearty vegetarian Chile that has an ingredient that has the texture of meat. Wheat berry takes several hours to cook however the end result is a plump slightly chewy meat like texture. this is a simple but really great Wheatberry Chili recipe…of course you can add any of your other favorite veggies to this Wheat berry Chili to make it your own.

Now remember as far as adding heat…the chipotles in adobe sauce are smoked jalapeños and have a kick…you can also add a diced fresh jalapeño or cayenne pepper…. good Luck!

Vegetarian Wheatberry Stew with a Chili Twist and Lime Cilantro Greek Yogurt

yields 6 servings prep time 15min cook time 3 hrs

Ingredients
1 cup uncooked wheatberries
4 cups water
6-8 cups vegetable stock
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 cups onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups diced green or red peppers
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots or baby carrots in half
1 tbsp. coconut sugar
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. black pepper and salt to taste
3/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup sundried tomatoes rinsed and chopped
1 7oz can of chipotle chilies in adobe sauce
2 cans black beans, drained
1 14oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
Mexican Cheese or Queso Fresco for topping

Greek Yogurt with Lime and Cilantro
3 cups Greek Yogurt, strained
Juice from small lime and zest
1/4 Cups fresh chopped cilantro
1 tsp paprika

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil, add the wheatberries and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until tender. You may have to add water to the pot as they cook. Drain and set aside.

While the wheatberries are cooking heat the olive oil in a heavy pot and add the onions an garlic and cook for 5 minutes. add the celery, carrots, peppers and cook another 5 minutes. Add the coconut sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, oregano and black pepper, coating all of the vegetables well, cook for 5 minutes. add the tomato paste and cooked wheatberries, cook for 5 minutes.

Add the beans, fire roasted tomatoes, sundried tomatoes and the chipotle peppers, gently mixing everything together. Now add 6 cups of vegetable broth stirring until everything is blended really well. Let simmer for about 15 minutes. If the Chili is to thick add a little more stock. It is your preference if you want this thick or thin. Taste for spices….have the strained lime cilantro yogurt ready and some fresh grated Mexican cheese or queso fresco to top your magnificent bowl of Wheatberry Chili…