Wheat Berry and Barley Salad with Smoked Mozzarella

Originally from Gourmet magazine, July 1994. Prep time: 45 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup wheat berries
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1 small red onion, chopped fine
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced and mashed to a paste with ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
  • 6 scallions, chopped fine
  • 1½ cups cooked corn (cut from about 2 large ears) (I use frozen corn)
  • ½ pound smoked mozzarella cheese, diced fine
  • 1 pint vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup chopped fresh chives

Directions

  • Stir wheat berries into a kettle of salted, boiling water. Cook at a slow boil for 30 minutes.
  • Stir in barley and cook grains at a slow boil 40 minutes While grains are cooking, in a large bowl stir together onion, garlic paste, vinegar, and oil. Drain grains well and add to onion mixture. Toss mixture well and cool.
  • Add scallions, corn, mozzarella, tomatoes, and chives. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss well.

Salad may be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring salad to room temperature before serving.


Berries are whole grains that have been minimally processed--they have been hulled but still have the bran and germ intact.

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