SAVORY KUCIA - WHEAT BERRY SALAD
One of the most important dishes for Kucios, the Lithuanian Christmas Eve supper, is "kucia", a mixture of wheat berries, ground poppy seeds and honey. I've never actually had this (wheat berries being scarce in California markets of 40 and 50 years ago), and since I prefer savory things, I decided to make a salad in the spirit of the traditional kucia, incorporating things that would have been available in a typical Central/Eastern European farmstead. OK, balsamic vinegar and olive oil are a bit of a stretch, but everything else would have been available at my grandparents' farms. If you've never had wheat berries, you'll discover a tasty grain. I have found that this tastes best if permitted to stand overnight, to permit the flavors to meld. Cooking time does not include soaking or standing times.
Provided by duonyte
Categories Savory
Time 1h20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Rinse and drain the wheat berries. Place them in a medium bowl, cover with water and soak overnight.
- Drain the wheat berries, place in a medium saucepan, add 3 cups water and cook until the berries are soft and the water is pretty much absorbed, about 1 hour. If the berries are tender, you can just drain any excess water. (I have been doing this in the rice cooker - it takes two cycles in my machine, but I don't have to worry about the pot boiling dry).
- Cover the chopped onion with hot water for two or three minutes, and drain. (This reduces a bit of the bite. Your onion may be sweet enough to skip this step).
- Place the cooked wheat in a large bowl and toss with the onion, apple, berries, poppy seeds and walnuts.
- Add some freshly grated black pepper.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey and salt. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
- Let stand at least four hours or so, preferably overnight, to permit the flavors to meld.
- Serve at room temperature.
- Note: The vinegar keeps the apple from discoloring, but you may prefer to add the apple just before serving. The heat and moisture of the cooked wheatberries will soften the dried berries, no need to presoak. If using dried cherries, you may want to cut them in half. I tend to use less salt than many, so you may want to adjust that to your own taste.
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Hugo Rocha
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook wheat berries, and this recipe was a winner! The savory flavors of the vegetables and the tangy vinaigrette really complemented the nutty flavor of the wheat berries. I will definitely be making this again.
kaka gaming
[email protected]This kucia was a great way to use up some leftover wheat berries. I added some chopped carrots, celery, and onions, and dressed it with a simple vinaigrette. The salad was delicious and healthy, and I will definitely be making it again.
Hsh Raja
[email protected]I made this savory kucia for a vegan potluck and it was a big hit! I used a combination of wheat berries and quinoa, and added some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. The salad was delicious and everyone loved it.
MD Rajeb
[email protected]This kucia was a delicious and healthy way to use up some leftover wheat berries. I added some chopped apples and dried cranberries for a bit of sweetness. The salad was a hit with my family and I will definitely be making it again.
Yousif Qureshi
[email protected]I've made this savory kucia several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The wheat berries are cooked perfectly and the vegetables are crisp and flavorful. I love the addition of the walnuts, which add a nice crunch. This is a great dish for a
Doctor Ebube
[email protected]This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! I used a combination of wheat berries and quinoa, and added some chopped fresh herbs. The salad was a hit at my potluck and I will definitely be making it again.
eve ojo
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook wheat berries, and this recipe did not disappoint! The savory flavors of the vegetables and the tangy vinaigrette really complemented the nutty flavor of the wheat berries. I will definitely be making this agai
Shermar Yearwood
[email protected]This kucia was delicious! I used a mix of wheat berries and farro, and added some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. It was a great make-ahead dish, and the flavors only got better the next day.
Tshepiso Sharon
[email protected]I made this savory kucia for my family last night and it was a hit! Everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures. The wheat berries were perfectly cooked and the vegetables were crisp and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.
Ayiku Joe
[email protected]This savory kucia is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a winter meal. The wheat berries are cooked until tender and then combined with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms. The salad is then seasoned