Italian Vegetable Wheat Berry Bowl

Wheat berries aren't actually berries.  A wheat "berry" refers to the whole grain.  Wheat is a great long-term food storage item and has a lot of health benefits, too.  (See what I'm talking about here.)  If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, though, try another grain in place of the wheat, such as rice or barley.

This healthy dish is a nice way to serve vegetables, and a nice way to dress up wheat. 

ITALIAN VEGETABLE WHEAT BERRY BOWL

PREP TIME:  50-55 minutes
COOK TIME:  included

INGREDIENTS

• 1 c. wheat berries (available here; also available here in #10 cans that store about 30 years)
• 1 can Italian petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 c. freeze-dried zucchini 
• 8 oz. tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 Tbsp. dried onions
• about 2 Tbsp. pine nuts (optional)
• balsamic vinegar (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Place zucchini, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, onions, and diced tomatoes in a bowl to rehydrate the zucchini.  Stir occasionally.  Place wheat berries in a saucepan with 3 c. water.  Bring to a boil over high heat.  Boil for 5 minutes.  Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.  Simmer on low 45 minutes.  Microwave the tomato-zucchini mixture 4-5 minutes until warm.  Drain the wheat berries.  Place the wheat berries into a serving bowl.  Pour warm tomato-zucchini mixture on top.  Sprinkle with pine nuts.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

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