Wheat Berry Salad with Red Pepper, Eggplant, and Zucchini
1 C. wheat berries
1 quartered red bell pepper
2 T. olive oil, preferably extra virgin, divided
4 slices (1/2″ thick) eggplant
4 slices (1/4″ thick) sweet onion
1 medium zucchini, cut into 4 thick diagonal slices
1 medium yellow crookneck squash, cut into 4 thick diagonal slices
1/4 tsp. salt,
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
3 T. red wine vinegar
1 T. chopped parsley + parsley sprigs (garnish)
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
1 tsp. leaves + oregano sprigs (garnish)
Minced garlic
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Place the wheat berries in a medium bowl, fill the bowl with water, cover, and soak in the refrigerator overnight. Drain. Place in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and heat to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until wheat berries are tender, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400ºF. Arrange the bell pepper in a single layer on a large sheet pan or baking sheet. Measure 1 T. oil. Lightly brush the pepper with some of the T.. Roast for 20 minutes. Turn the pepper. Add the eggplant, onion, zucchini, and squash to the pan. Brush with what remains of the 1 T. oil. Roast for about 25 minutes longer, or until browned. Let the vegetables stand to cool. Season with 1/8 tsp. of the salt and the pepper. Set half of the vegetables aside. Cut the remaining vegetables into 1/2″ pieces. In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, garlic, the remaining 1 T. oil, and the remaining 1/8 tsp. salt and pepper. Add the wheat berries and cut-up vegetables. Toss to coat. Spoon onto a serving platter. Arrange the remaining vegetables around the edges. Garnish with herb sprigs.
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Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 280
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 8g