WHEAT BERRY AND TOMATO SALAD

Wheat Berry and Tomato Salad image

Whole wheat berries lend themselves to both summer and winter dishes. Much of the flavor in this salad comes from the tangy juice of chopped tomatoes, almost like a marinade for the chewy wheat. The salad is all about texture, with crunchy celery (or cucumber) and soft feta contrasting with wheat.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories dinner, lunch, one pot, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 2h30m

Yield Serves six

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup farro or wheat berries, rinsed, soaked for several hours or overnight in 1 quart water
Salt
freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 to 2 cups diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 cup diced celery or cucumber, or a combination
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (more to taste)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ounces feta, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

Place the wheat berries and their soaking water in a large saucepan. Add salt to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer one hour or until the grains are tender and beginning to splay. Turn off the heat, and allow the wheat berries to sit in the hot water for another 15 minutes. Drain.
While the wheat berries are cooking, dice the tomatoes and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, and add the sherry and balsamic vinegars. Toss together, and let sit for one hour.
After you drain the wheat berries, toss with the tomatoes and juices. Allow to marinate together for one hour. Add the remaining ingredients, and toss together. Refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve at once.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 204, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 25 grams, Fat 10 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 345 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams