Thursday, September 19, 2013

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuscan Kale and Butternut Squash

I know, more super grains and kale?! I try to cook as healthy as I can during the week, so when I wanna eat fried shrimp and jelly donuts I have zero guilt.

I think Sunday marks the first official day of fall and nothing says fall like butternut squash. I didn't feel like taking the time to soak wheat berries, so I substituted it with some millet. Delicious as a side to any protein or would be awesome with a good 'ol fried egg on top. Enjoy!

Wheat Berry Salad with Tuscan Kale and Butternut Squash
Recipe and photo from www.foodandwine.com


  1. 1 pound peeled butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch dice (3 cups)
  2. 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  3. Salt
  4. Freshly ground pepper
  5. 2 cups whole einka or other wheat berries
  6. 10 ounces Tuscan kale, stemmed, leaves sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick (4 cups)
  7. 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  8. 1/2 cup minced shallots
  9. 1 tablespoon finely chopped sage
  10. 2 garlic cloves, minced
  11. 1/3 cup dry white wine
  12. 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
  13. Preheat the oven to 400°. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the squash for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a large bowl.
  14. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, cover the wheat berries with 5 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat until tender, 25 minutes.
  15. Add the kale to the wheat berries, cover and remove from the heat; let stand until the kale is wilted, 5 minutes. Drain well and add the wheat and kale to the squash. Add the vinegar and 2 tablespoons of the oil to the salad, season with salt and pepper and toss.
  16. In a medium skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the shallots and a pinch of salt and cook over moderately high heat until just starting to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sage and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer, stirring, until evaporated. Scrape the shallot and garlic into the salad and toss. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley and serve.
  17. MAKE AHEAD The salad can be refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving. NOTES Einka berries are available from bluebirdgrainfarms.com.