I once heard someone say that when it comes to food it’s okay to hate or dislike a few things. In fact, they said most people dislike five foods. I don’t think I dislike many things. I do know I didn’t love my mom’s liver and onions, I don’t enjoy red meat, and super spicy food and I are not very good friends.
We know what we love; we know what we like. And we certainly know what we dislike.
This may sound strange coming from someone who loves sardines and fruitcake, but I guess I’m just like everyone else.
But then, there are ingredients that, because of their popularity, make us want to like them. A case in point is quinoa. Everyone loves quinoa– except me. I really tried to like it; I tried it prepared different ways in salads, fritters, etc., but for me, there’s something about it that I don’t love. So, whenever I come across a great quinoa recipe, I swap the grain for a different choice.
People should eat what they like, so if you like quinoa, don’t be mad at me. Consider making this recipe with quinoa one day and with a different grain the next time. Enjoy!
Wild Rice and Wheat Berry Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 small garlic clove, crushed
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves
- 2 cups cooked wild rice mix with wheat berries
- salt and freshly ground pepper
Combine garlic, balsamic, oil, cranberries and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Let sit for about 5 minutes, remove and discard garlic.
Add carrots, parsley and wild rice. Toss together with some salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning if necessary with salt or a bit more balsamic.
Serves 6
My notes:
To cook wild rice mix and wheat berries – Combine 1 cup of wild rice mix and 1/4 cup wheat berries with 2 1/4 cup water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and simmer 40 to 45 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and let cool.
