Wheat Berry Minestrone

May 27, 2010 in Wheat Berry Recipes by Webmaster

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. You can dress this traditional soup up in a beautiful tureen; serve it in a bread bowl; or you can wrap it in a large towel and bring it to a tailgate party in a stockpot. However, you serve it, it is a nourishing and delicious meal.

 



Ingredients:

  • 1 – 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs. ground turkey or hamburger (optional)
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
  • 4 c. vegetable or chicken stock
  • 2 c. water
  • 1 c. wheat berries
  • 4 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large green pepper, diced
  • 4 diced carrots
  • 8 c. coarsely chopped spinach or Swiss chard, or kale
  • 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 c. cooked or canned white beans
  • 2 c. cooked or canned garbanzo beans
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Croutons (optional)

Directions:

In a large stockpot heat oil over medium heat, add optional meat, and cook until brown. Add garlic and onions and Italian seasoning and cook for another minute. Add stock, water, wheat berries, celery, pepper, carrots, and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until wheat berries are almost tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir in chopped spinach, tomatoes with juice, and beans. Cook for about 10 minutes.

When ready to serve, ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan, if using.